Quote: deeHell "Why stop there maybe we should do it every winter for the flu. What about over sized people that put a massive strain on the NHS, smokers /drinkers? Once you concede the principle of free at the point of access the big Government controllers will want if for other things as a means of punishment for their poor lifestyle choices. At the end of the day such restrictions protect the NHS. I don't support at anytime the NHS will ever come under any scrutiny A big money eating bureaucratic goliath that can't do wrong,.
Covid has shown just how many people in free countries are actually undercover authoritarians. It has given them an excuse to openly advocate for segregation like policies. Not only that but they get mad if you fight for them to keep their freedoms.'"
The govt has a duty to care for it's citizens, often when they don't think they need caring for - seat belts, helmets on motorbikes, clean air zones, emissions-based taxation systems - the list is endless.
None of the things you cite as personal choice affect me in the way covid will - if you are fat or drunk = I won't catch it from you.
You say the govt is responsible for the health care of the nation = big govt; but not responsible for health of the individual = small govt. It can't be both these things.
As an example, we blame the govt for under-resourcing care homes (which are all privately owned!), but want our own individual freedoms to be consequence-free.
Is govt responsible for us or not?