Residents protest vaccine mandate
A number of motorists traveling on Main Street in Butler on Friday morning honked their horns and gave thumbs up in support of a small group of demonstrators in Diamond Park who were advocating for people's right to choose whether they want to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“We just want to tell people we should have the right of choice of what goes into our body,” said Matt Paroli, who organized the demonstration, which was called a Medical Freedom of Choice Rally on social media.
Wearing a shirt bearing the slogan “Mandate Medical Freedom,” Paroli of Butler said the coronavirus vaccines are intended to protect those who receive them. Those who don't want to receive the vaccine should not be mandated to do otherwise or reprimanded for that decision, he said.
Paroli noted that the flu vaccine has been in use for decades, but it has not led to the eradication of the flu. He said he believes COVID-19, too, won't be eradicated, but rather will mutate in response to the vaccine.
“I don't think the government should control what I put in my body,” Paroli said. “I just think you should have a choice.”
People who believe they are at risk should get vaccinated, he said, adding that his parents have been vaccinated
He said he believes the influence “big pharma” has on government leaders is behind the push for vaccinations. Boosters are being recommended now, and he said he believes additional boosters are likely to be called for in the future.
“It's never going to end,” Paroli said.
He said the group has a Facebook page called “No Thank You,” but he said he believes Facebook might delete the page.
Cheri Haney, a private registered nurse who moved to Beaver County from Saxonburg, was also in attendance. She said she believes those who have had COVID-19 should be exempt from receiving the vaccine.
“It should be a choice,” she said.
