Well, this has certainly been an interesting week. I have been writing Listen Up! for close to a decade, long before Huntsville Doppler was launched, at which time we decided to merge the two publications.
Never, in all of those years, with all of those articles, many of them controversial, have I received as much response as I did from the article I wrote last week, “It’s time for a wake-up call”, about the importance of being vaccinated for COVID-19.
I pulled no punches in that article. I believe what I wrote. I stand by it. Each day, as the infections from the Omicron variant multiply and escalate, I stand by it more. Of course, I knew there would be those who disagreed with the position I took in my opinion piece. I expected, and indeed welcomed, debate and pushback.
But what I wasn’t prepared for was the viciousness and extremism of many of the attacks. Nor was I aware of the depth of the anti-vax movement in our community or the length some of these folks would go to discredit and demonize those who dared to disagree with them.
Normally we do not publish comments in Doppler that are disrespectful or blatantly inaccurate, but this time we decided it was important for our readers to see how far some people are prepared to go to fight, and to attempt to discredit COVID-19 vaccinations for a virulent pandemic.
Being compared to Nazis and communists and, indeed, being told there should be a new rendition of the Nuremberg Trials from the Second World War so that I could be hauled before them, was not particularly pleasant, but not that much of a bother either. I guess that comes with the territory.
Somewhat more disturbing was a letter-writing campaign to a number of our advertisers by some of those who disagreed with my opinion, urging them to withdraw their financial support from Doppler with the obvious intent of shutting us down. Sadly, we did lose two clients as a result, but the vast majority of our valued advertisers stood firm against this form of tyranny, and we are very grateful for that.
The icing on the cake, however, came in one of the phone calls I received when the caller attacked my family. That’s when I lost it and, prior to abruptly hanging up, suggested that he perform a sexually impossible act!
One of the important goals of Huntsville Doppler is to provide a forum for debate and discussion, often on difficult subjects where there is a serious division of opinion. We welcome all comments and letters from any and all of our readers, on any subject, from any point of view, as long as they are respectful and based in truth.
Doppler, in my view, would lack integrity and surely not live up to its mission if it did not foster debate on important public-policy issues and allow for a healthy discussion. Surely, that is an important function of a free press.
I wrote my article last week because the issue of vaccinations for COVID-19 and its variants is one of real public interest and importance that needed to be both addressed and, as well, responded to by those who both agreed and disagreed.
I am well aware that current vaccinations for COVID-19 are not a perfect solution for eradicating it. But to the best of my knowledge, right now, they are the best solution, along with normal pandemic protocols such as masks and social distancing.
I know that there are an increasing number of people in hospital who are double vaccinated, but I also know that much of this is because vaccine effectiveness has turned out to be for a shorter period of time than originally anticipated. That is why a booster shot, when available, is so important. My guess is that vaccines for COVID-19 and its variants will have to be regularly adjusted for their content, just as annual flu shots are, due to changing aspects of the virus.
Statistics also confirm that the vast majority of patients that end up in an intensive care unit in hospitals are not vaccinated. This is where over-loading becomes crucial, especially as patients with issues unrelated to COVID-19 require critical care because of medical procedures that were unavailable to them because of pandemic pressures on hospitals.
In spite of the nastiness around opposition from some anti-vaxxer groups for whom conspiracy theories appear more important than the millions of people that have been adversely affected by this pandemic, I am convinced that most people—most of our readers and most of the people in our local communities—recognize the urgent need to encourage as many individuals as possible to be vaccinated. That is the best potential remedy we know of right now.
I also worry that the action of militant anti-vaxxers is a symptom of a wider, much more concerning phenomenon of unrest, discontent, and rebellion. It is disturbing to see this as it is manifested in other parts of the world—including our neighbour, the United States—creeping into our Muskoka communities. That is something to be really concerned about.
I strongly believe that the COVID-19 virus in all of its variants will never be effectively contained until there is no place for it to regenerate. For that reason, I will continue to stand up and speak out for full COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone. In the meantime, the focus of our entire Doppler team will be to continue being the go-to source for real local news, information, and stimulating commentary. We are proud that Doppler has become a household name over the past five-and-a-half years and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with the highest standard of journalism.
We will not be intimidated.
Hugh Mackenzie has held elected office as a trustee on the Muskoka Board of Education, a Huntsville councillor, a District councillor, and mayor of Huntsville. He has also served as chairman of the District Muskoka and as chief of staff to former premier of Ontario, Frank Miller.
Hugh has served on a number of provincial, federal and local boards, including chair of the Ontario Health Disciplines Board, vice-chair of the Ontario Family Health Network, vice-chair of the Ontario Election Finance Commission, and board member of Roy Thomson Hall, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Canada. Locally, he has served as president of the Huntsville Rotary Club, chair of Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, president of Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and board member of Community Living Huntsville.
In business, Hugh Mackenzie has a background in radio and newspaper publishing. He was also a founding partner and CEO of Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm established in 1986.
Currently, Hugh is president of C3 Digital Media Inc., the parent company of Doppler Online, and he enjoys writing commentary for Huntsville Doppler.
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Well said by Hugh and so many of the comments expressed with a few exceptions.
The internet and social media has a lot to answer for in my opinion with people being able to hide behind anonymity.. My fifty something daughter expressed the same opinion the other day.
What has the pandemic done that so many people think they have the right to not be civil to store employees, hospital workers, restaurant staff or anyone else? Have they not heard the old adage “you get more with honey than with vinegar”. Anyone who has worked in public service knows this only too well.
This is the time for all of us to try and be kind to our fellow humans to help us get through Covid.
Hugh, thank you for taking a stand for public health. I am glad to see the overwhelming support in these comments. I have also been saddened to see so much misinformation and vitriol on the subject in our community and nationwide.
Let’s all pull together to conquer Covid. We are looking forward to getting our boosters on January 3. A great way to start the New Year! Until then, we will proceed with caution. Good health, Happy Holidays, and Merry Christmas to all!
Christine Heron; My goodness, “the elite agenda”?! To save lives, prevent illness and disease is an “elite agenda”! By that logic, all health care is an “elite agenda”. Do you take advantage in anyway of health care? Do you want to continue to be associate with this “elitist agenda”? Does this mean you will not seek health care at all for yourself or your family? Where to from here? Voodoo, ouiji board online, or a fleece in the backyard overnight?
If we have learned anything since this pandemic started, it should be that it is a rolling science and research – much due to the mutation quality of virus replication. The information is coming in real time, continuously. The virus is not going to stand in place so it can be studied for years. If you are waiting for a conclusion to the research and science, before determining if someone should be vaccinated – it will probably not come for a few years yet and only in retrospect.
I and my family have boycotted a local business that we know has flaunted the public health protections. This was not done lightly. Also, this action was not done before sending an identifying email to the owners to let them know of our actions and the reasons for doing so.
This is as far as I am prepared to go. However, consider the good old-fashioned “boycott” to register your concern. I will not use the tactics of the anti-vax brigade, which intimidates health care workers, commentary writers, sites where children can be protected.
Also consider praising again and again those businesses who are doing the right thing – it is free advertising and support for local businesses who have stepped up to the challenge to protect the health and well-being of our community. Thanks for reading.
Any business that cannot and does not follow the Public Health protocols during a pandemic has not earned the trust of the public. It is as simple as that!
It there a way to learn which businesses have pulled their advertising support for Doppler on the basis of a pro-vaccine position?
The reaction to your reasonably presented column is alarming to say the least and I’m sorry that you were exposed to that described level of vitriol. I think it may be safe to say that the anti-vaxers are just doubling down now and there is little to no chance that they can be persuaded to get vaccinated despite an abundance of proof as to its efficacy.
Thus, I believe that we’ve reached the point where mandatory vaccination for COVID-19, can be ethically justified if the threat to public health is dire, the confidence in safety and effectiveness is high, the expected utility of mandatory vaccination is greater than the alternatives, and the penalties for non-compliance are proportionate.
All of these thresholds have already been met in Canada so as problematic an issue as it may be politically, I think we are there and the government must act as it has acted before. There is a historical context for this action; smallpox and measles and polio were almost eradicated by these measures.
It is time to address Covid similarly.
We are EQUALS to this common enemy, the virus, sweeping the globe, like a vulture stalking its prey.
We’re on the SAME SIDE in this WAR against it.
What ARMY ever succeeded by attacking its OWN MEMBERS?
This is NOT about POLITICS…or “blaming the MESSENGER.”
This IS about our HEALTH and our ability to be FREE of aVIRUS….PURE AND SIMPLE!
(Thanks, Hugh for being a well-informed messenger.)
Well who do you believe the Facebook internet doctors or the countries of the world and there specialist doctors. So far Canadians are banned from alot of countries , the UK is talking of completely shutting down there country. Israel wants no foreigners at all. Now why do these people think this disease is just another flu. And as for flu my grandmother lived through the Spanish flu and kept most of her neighbours alive , by taking my shots like a reasonable person im trying to do the right thing like she did. Mr MacKenzie there are alot of your editorials I comment on, but this time your ideas are right as far as I’m concerned, and if others are being jerks to you buck up. There are more for you than against and not to be facetious but there numbers might start dropping.
Well said Hugh. The USA has somehow become the epicentre for conspiracy theories and misinformation. Consequently, the death rate from COVID 19 is 3 times higher in the USA than in Canada. There are no reports that any of the 832,000 Americans who died to date of COVID 19 saying they were sure glad they did not get vaccinated. The number of adverse side effects of the vaccines is not zero, but it is almost too small to measure.
well i am NOT a antivaxer but i cannot get the J&J vaccine because of where i live. not in muskoka and parrysound northbay health unit does not have it. the push for the vaccine sure is a big ??? if the government really wanted every one to get the so-called jab then you would think it would not mater where you lived. now that most of the sick (high profile) are the double vaccinated maybe i am one of the lucky ones, unvaxed.
I agree totally with your article and regret the nastiness that you have encountered. Having read similar posts on FaceBook, I’m not surprised at the vitriol some people feel they can express in the name of their own ‘freedom’. Keep expressing your views – I’m sure the majority of people agree with you and are ready to support the community by keeping themselves and others safe.
Couldn’t have said it better Brenda Begg!
There is no inconclusive evidence or data yet, to support the assertion by some that Omicron is weaker and not a threat. The South African population who contracted Omicron were younger and, some of the affected population had some immunity due to having contracted Covid 19. Dr. Juni has stated this several times and cautions us to follow guidelines (get Booster, use a decent mask, physically distance, avoid crowds etc.). Time will tell.
I don’t always agree with Hugh Mackenzie’s opinions; but in this case, he has done his homework. And then some.
BTW: it is sad, indeed, that several advertisers for The Doppler decided to withdraw their support. It is particularly disturbing that Mr. Mackenzie received threatening phone calls.
I don’t think you’ve done your homework. South African officials (despite mainstream media’s censorship attempts) are stating that “omicron” (based on the science of how viruses actually function) spreads faster and easier BUT is much weaker and not a threat. Some have said that fear mongering (despite the less severe symptoms) continues solely to push people to continue to get “vaccines” anyways. Some doctors suggest that there may be a benefit in contracting this variant to achieve natural immunity, which is confirmed by Pfizer employees (candidly) to be superior.
This small collection of truths requires a thorough discussion at the least- but “info-shaming” is what we are up against.
I say to you- that if you are blindly in support of this narrative, this elite agenda, and have no desire to discuss different perspectives, that YOU, sir, are the tyrant.
The major problem will be receiving the shots/boosters Etc. in a speedy fashion.
The living center in Huntsville is a much smaller setup than what
was in the local arena Hockey is more important than lives it seems?
We have gone from 15 injection stations to 6 stations which are not fully manned
all the time.
What with the smaller space and the shortage of staff it is going to be a long stress full winter.
This Is Not Criticism! it is just my observation of the situation. I have had my booster shot.
I am just thinking
of the others standing in the cold wind and freezing temperatures.
Hi Hugh I’m definitely agreeable with your article that everyone should be vaccinated! This is the only way we will take control of this pandemic. Thank you for your efforts attempting to make everyone understand the situation the world is experiencing now.
Thank you, Hugh, for speaking a truth that needs to be shared. Both of your opinion pieces presented thoughtful insights regarding the need to get ahead of, or at least keep pace with this insidious virus. My local health unit, in an open letter to all if us, indicated that where a person infected with Delta would infect 1 person, a person infected with Omicron would infect 4. I prefer to get my information from medical practitioners rather that from some sketchy internet site. Keep up the good fight!
The push back you are getting is from people standing up for freedom of choice and inclusiveness.
Correction: They are not “antivaxxers” as you keep saying. Many people have gotten vaccines of various kinds throughout their lifetime.
Also using the term “conspiracy theories ” is a weak literary term because you are incorrectly prejudice to any questioning and independent thought .
From my experience of both sides of the fence especially the freedom thinkers, they are inclusive no matter what your choice is. They do not condemn people for their choices or views.
Shame on you as a journalist as you know better.
Your articles keep perpetuating polarity, prejudice, and exclusion from what you write.
Enough! Enough of the cancel culture mentality and intimidation towards people who might have a different opinion than your own. I completely agree with Mr. McKenzie….”we will not be intimidated”. And shame on those advertisers who cowardly caved in to this phenomena.
I have stopped expressing my opinion (in public) to others out there. I can’t believe the resistance to rational thought. I trust my family doctor and asked her if she got her vaccine shots. She replied yes and her husband, and got her parents as soon as she could. That made me feel more comfortable. Funny how some of the vocal people have such resistance and concern about the legitimacy of these shots but historically consume pain pills, diet pills, sugar laced foods and most of all street drugs without concern. I hope the day comes that I can look back and say I did the right thing but I am afraid the proof may be costly to so many. And believe me when I say it hurts me more than angers me when I hear reasons that are just so silly and people using those falsehoods to justify why not to do their part.
Hugh,
I am sorry that you have felt pressure and discomfort resulting from a few disgruntled readers.
I could put this in more graphic terms but why lower the discourse?
Also I am disappointed to know that one or two business have been cowed by your critics and withdrawn their support, one assumes out of fear of loosing business by being seen (by the few antivaccers) as supporting Doppler.
I would not want to look in the mirror and see a coward looking back.
Your points are all valid IMO and I am pleased to say that I received my third shot in Huntsville Thursday this week.
Keep up the good work Hugh. Remember, Illegitimi Non Carborundum.
Hugh, a wonderful article and an even better response! We must stand together to fight this virus. In Port Sydney, when a group of pioneers got some grant land on the east side of Mary Lake then they started to build a new community, around about 1905. Unfortunately in the first few years many of their children got sick and died. The graves of the many children are in a cemetery just by one of the streets they built…..called “Candy Town”. Unfortunately the children continued to die so the frustrated families left to a new location, knowing no idea what the sickness was. Research later showed, the disease was a type of flu. So in this case, we must work together because we have the knowledge to understand and fight this disease. Work together and fight this disease. Work together.
Well said, Hugh. Kudos to the advertisers who value the Doppler’s integrity and won’t cave to the screeches of the anti-vax extremists.
Sometimes saying the right thing takes a lot more courage than capitulation. Thank you for saying what had to be said. There will always be another issue less deadly to rail against.Get a Covid Vaccination Now, and live to fight another day.