Lollapalooza - the alternative rock festival that started 30 years ago - is back this year after being cancelled last year because of the COVID pandemic. Today is the first day of the 4-day music fest that will feature artists such as The Foo Fighters, Tyler, the Creator, Meghan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Limp Bizkit, and Post Malone. But there are new rules in place for all fest-goers.
Lollapalooza is requiring all fans to have their vaccine card with them or proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. All those who are not vaccinated will be required to wear a mask. How that will realistically be enforced remains in question. But it is obvious that events like Lollapalooza are establishing rules to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant.
Here in New Orleans, the legendary music venue, Tipitina’s, the Maple Leaf, and d.b.a. will require proof of vaccination as a condition for being admitted.
Tipitina's, Maple Leaf, and d.b.a. now requires proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to enter
Popular DJ Soul Sister is now requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for all those attending her dance parties.
Many will argue that proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test is discrimination, but there are legal grounds for such rules to be implemented. Will this motivate more people to get the shot?
As a fully vaccinated person who is also aware of the reality that I could still get COVID, I would enjoy going to an event or a venue that required proof of vaccination. I am concerned about the requirement for those who are not vaccinated to wear a mask because many of the unvaccinated people I have talked to on my talk show possess an arrogant attitude about not getting the shot and not wearing a mask. What faith should I have in someone who is not vaccinated agreeing to wear a mask?
And at an event, if I see someone without a mask what assurance is there that they are vaccinated? It seems that it would be easy to show a negative COVID test result and simply not wear a mask. Those individuals would blend in with the vaccinated people who are not required to wear a mask.
Requiring proof of vaccination is discrimination, but it is legal discrimination since it does not single out anyone based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. As the Delta variant continues to spread rapidly and is now racing through the population of younger generations, it is reasonable to expect more places being opened only to those who have been vaccinated.
This is a national health issue, and those who refuse to get the shot or wear a mask and wave a flag promoting their fight for individual freedom in America are falsely equating their claim of fighting for freedom with the men and women who died or were permanently injured on the battlefield in a true fight for our freedom.
We live in America, and people are free to refuse to get the vaccine or free to not wear a mask. However, their misguided “fight for freedom” will actually lead to the loss of freedom to attend Lollapalooza or go hear a band at Tipitina’s in Uptown New Orleans.
We have freedom of choice - and some are choosing to lose some of their freedoms.
