01/19/2022
Global implications of the Djokovic deportation
No matter which side you are on, the Australian Government vs Novak Djokovic fight painted a very unattractive view of how important the sentiment surrounding the issue of covid vaccinations is in todays democracies.
The Scott Morrison government, like most in the western world, have used every tool in their armories to get people vaccinated. Although the base intention behind such is well grounded, they have told many “half truths” and even a few “lies” to ensure success. The population have been so desirous to see the end of the restrictions the pandemic has caused that they have lapped this all up with out any of the usual review and questioning.
Na matter all the public rhetoric and statements to the contrary, the fact is that Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia legitimately and his status as being un-vaccinated had nothing to do with the reason he was eventually deported!
The immigration minister, Alex Hawke, who actually was the person who signed the documents that cancelled Novak Djokovic’s visa says “That I am assuming he currently has a medical reason not to be vaccinated does not ultimately affect my reasoning.”
He clarifies the overarching argument was that Djokovic’s presence in Australia “may pose a health risk to the Australian community” because it “may foster anti-vaccination sentiment”.
It should be noted that Australia has over 92% of the adult population fully vaccinated which, by any measure is a massive success. It remains very unclear what real benefits this has provided Australians because, as published recently in the Lancet, studies have shown that being vaccinated has limited impact on the spread of the virus. (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00768-4/fulltext)
In fact, as the virus continues to mutate, there is great questions about the real world benefits for the level of symptomatic illness being hopitalised or even death.
If governments do get challenged, fully, on their decisions to force a vaccine that has not fully passed all tests and reviews to be properly approved – noting the use of Emergency Use regulations – then the respect and trust of the general population can quickly be eradicated. This does not mean that the conspiracy theorists or anti-Vax groups will be proven correct, but simply that those we have voted to lead and direct us have abused that power and the system of government is broken.
As Omicron asks some of these questions and major institutions do studies with uncomfortable conclusions governments will come under greater scrutiny.
It will therefore beg the question irrespective of vaccine status, will I be allowed into that country if I publicly question their actions during the pandemic?
