Word Play

    "Biomedical security state." That's the phrase used by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida to attack the federal plan encouraging an anti-virus injection mandate.
   As if preventive medicine is a bad thing.
   One primary function of government is to secure the safety of the people. So why would the governor attack the idea as representing something to be avoided because it endangers American liberty and the freedom of choice?
   The term "security state" has encountered negative connotations, implying that government oversteps its legitimate responsibilities. But there is a long history of governments around the world mandating health measures to bring health and safety to its citizens.
   Even the ex-president, for all his ranting about the foolishness of virus warnings during the covid pandemic, was inoculated early on, but said nothing about it, instead continuing his attack.
   Now, his supporters on the Faux News network praise him for allegedly bringing the covid vaccine to the public.
   Contrast that with state officials in some parts of the country who insist that mandating the vaccine is a civil rights violation.
   People have a responsibility to care for their own health, but they also have an obligation not to spread sickness to others.