Democrat New York State Assemblyman N. Nick Perry has introduced A416, a bill that allows government officials to “detain or remove” people they deem pose a risk to public health. Although the proposed legislation does not mention COVID-19, it certainly applies to the state’s current health crisis and would encompass any infectious situation presented, including the flu. The simple fact that this possibly could become law should scare the dickens out of the electorate.
To be precise, the bill states:
“The governor or his or her delegee may, in his or her discretion, issue and seek enforcement of any other orders that he or she determines are necessary or appropriate to prevent dissemination or transmission of contagious diseases or other illnesses that may pose a threat to the public health.”
If passed and signed into law, Governor Andrew Cuomo could compulsorily confine anyone he considers a danger to a designated facility or space: whether the person has a contagious disease or is simply suspected of having it. The same genius who forced nursing homes last March to house COVID-19 patients — resulting in nearly 6,000 deaths — would be able to cull people from the general populace and stuff them anywhere he wants for up to 90 days. Cuomo or a delegee would need a court order, but declaring a public health necessity wouldn’t take much effort in the current contagious environment.
It appears New York Democrats are primed to re-create the quaint leper colonies of the inhumane past.
You Look a Bit Flushed
Exhibiting visual symptoms of fever or a simple malady — looking flushed, clammy, or, dear God, wiping your nose — may prompt neighbors, friends, and frenemies to snitch. Local authorities can then pluck individuals off the streets for an amount of time determined upon test results. Yes, the bill allows health officials to conduct contagious disease testing on unwitting civilians.
Once individuals are detained and confined, a line item in the bill that could become law directs how they must behave during forcible detainment, specifically not conducting themselves “in a disorderly fashion.” And for the love of all that is holy, it continues, they “shall not attempt to leave such facility” until discharged. Oh, and while these folks are subjected to medications they may not want or need, the state may vaccinate people while being held.
Please don’t resist government overreach, mind you.
Of course, the author of the bill took a bit of heat from conservatives and constituents who called the proposal a clear violation of the American Constitution, but Perry doubled down:
“There is no intent, no plan, or provisions in my bill to take away, or violate any rights, or liberties that all Americans are entitled to under our Constitution, either state or federal.”
Oh, that must be the line item that covers the human and civil rights violations sure to be racked up by the minute if A416 passes: “Such person or persons shall, upon request, be afforded an opportunity to be heard … ”
You Won’t Feel a Thing
The bill is currently in Health Committee, waiting to be scheduled to the floor. And this isn’t the only legislation proposed: Versions of the bill popped up during the 2015-2016 legislative session after concerns about Ebola. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average Ebola case has a 50% fatality rate. And we know COVID-19 is highly survivable — depending on underlying conditions and age group — anywhere from 75%-99%.
Perry’s draconian bill sets a dangerous precedent — if it makes it out of committee. But, hey, the state will fix you right up, mark you down as vaccinated, and leave you free to move about the country once again. So, what if rights are violated? You’ll get used to it over time, and you won’t feel a thing. Trust us: We are from the government and we’re here to help.
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