Opposition to vaccine mandates is adolescent outrage at adult expectations. The mandates presented by President Biden neither violate individual rights nor threaten personal liberty. Instead, they exemplify what a responsible government is supposed to do: Protect its citizens.

The pandemic is raging in large part because delusional people are putting everyone else at risk, and especially those most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. The right to control our own bodies is not absolute. Pouring alcohol into your bloodstream and then driving is not an individual choice. Neither is subjecting others to cigarette smoke.

Anti-vaxxers, anti-maskers, and peddlers of alternative cures are not taking a principled stand or blocking an overreaching government. They are behaving like ill-mannered children and need to face the consequences. Closing doors to them and denying access to public places is a reasonable response.

Biden signaled that there are adults in the room. It is time for them to take charge.

David M. Robinson

Old Lyme