Michael J. Anderson

Two years ago in January, the Covid-19 virus made its way to American shores. (Or at least that is when the CDC confirmed the first U.S. case) In many ways, the world was a different place back then. President Trump was still in office. The word “pandemic” hadn’t quite assumed the gravity it would. And phrases like “flatten the curve,” “doomscrolling,” and “you’re on mute” hadn’t yet become so utterly ubiquitous. But in the midst of the resulting panic, Open…

As more and more Americans become vaccinated, schools, employers, and healthcare facilities are facing a tough decision: Will they require students, employees, and caregivers to get the jab? Those who say “yes” cite safety concerns, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations and call it a necessary step to return to normal. Those who say “no” argue these sorts of mandates violate individual rights, could expose recipients to potential dangers from the vaccines themselves, and set dangerous broader precedents when it…