I HONESTLY did not expect the response we would get when we announced our vaccine rebuttal competition which asked for the best way to deal with ‘have you had your vaccine yet?’ or ‘you ought to’ or are looked at askance when you say ‘No actually, I haven’t, and I won’t be’ (in less than 350 words).
My motivation was my concern for the younger adults coming under such huge government, corporate, media and peer pressure to comply, believing it may be the only way to win their freedom. They are up against institutionalised bullying and it is hard. Several had told me they don’t know what to say or how to deal with it – especially with the accusation that they were being selfish – and asked for advice.
Well, wonderful TCW readers, you have proved hugely helpful. Your ideas came pouring in: we received well over a hundred entries, and were presented with quite a reading task which Margaret and I have shared. It’s been cathartic and very cheering! And we thank you.
Some of the pithiest replies which gave Margaret and me a good laugh (thank you) however tempting (and they are the ones I most feel like using) I am afraid are unpublishable containing, as they do, some rather strong Anglo Saxon words.
Several showed a commanding knowledge of the science, clinical trials, issues of vaccine safety and evidence-based risk assessment. Others delved into medical ethics – my body, my choice – others employed humour, irony, satire and allegory to communicate what our compliance means – sheer inventive imagination. You will have to wait and see!
From tomorrow we’ll start publishing a selection of entries: honourable mentions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, followed by, on Bank Holiday Monday, the three runners-up and the champagne winner!
