Letter to the editor: Don't bully others for vaccine decisions

To letter-writer Paul Heckbert (“Republicans making sacrifice by refusing vaccine”: It is no secret that we are living in a volatile time. Most days in the Opinion section, I read yet another surprising comment by someone on either side of the political aisle. This particular one was appalling and very sad. Wow, did you read this before you sent it?

I have a quote that I like to refer to: “The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” You assume only Republicans are not getting the vaccine. I know many Republicans and Democrats who have been vaccinated.

Some of those who were first to be vaccinated have a complete intolerance for anyone waiting to make the decision to be vaccinated. I wonder if the women who had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, after adverse reactions, would make the same decision again?

There is still much we do not know about the virus and the vaccines. I still live in a free country with the ability to make my own choices, and I would like to do so without being bullied and to have my decision, whatever it is, respected by all.

I hope you were taught, as I have taught my children, to never assume. We all know what that means. I support those who have chosen to vaccinate and those who have chosen to wait or not vaccinate. I would ask you to do the same.

Shari Kelly

Greensburg