Oppression by inaction: an absent legislature.

I have been struggling now for some time in figuring out how to put this sentiment into words, knowing full well that what is happening is wrong. But how do we effectively communicate it?

Thousands upon thousands of Tennesseans are facing a type of oppression here in our state that is hard to describe because typically, oppression is the misuse (some type of action) of authority. But what if the opposite is true? Could oppression come simply by inaction – sort of like a lie of omission. What if a governing body has the ability and the authority to prevent evils from being perpetrated on a people, yet they stand by and watch it happen. Could that be considered oppression? I believe the answer is a resounding, yes.

Tennessee Stands has received hundreds (not an exaggeration) of emails, phone calls, and messages via social media from people asking for help due to forced vaccination policies by employers all over the state. People are hurting. And people are confused.

The majority sentiment seems to be an innate sense that being forced into a medical treatment against your will is wrong. So, how can this be legal? How is it possible that in Tennessee, one can lose their job because out of concern for their own health, they choose not to receive a vaccine or any kind of medical treatment?

The word coercion appears over fifty (50) times in our Tennessee Code Annotated. Merriam-Webster defines coercion as (1) to compel to an act or choice; (2) to achieve by force or threat; (3) to restrain or dominate by force.

Both federal and state law declares that coercion, even in private situations and not just by governmental actions, is unlawful. Coercion is considered in law in commerce, insurance regulations, abuse and trafficking, treatment by courts and departments of justice, marriage, parental rights, and a myriad of other life situations. In federal law, it is sometimes termed that a person has been required to act under duress. In general, our laws and our society see coercion as a bad thing.

So, how is it that so many in leadership are accepting that using the loss of a job or the loss of income as a penalty in order to force a decision to be vaccinated is acceptable in the state of Tennessee? How is it that medical coercion has become acceptable?

Too many in our legislature are making the argument that private property rights are somehow absolute rights. The argument has come directly from Governor Bill Lee and senior members of our General Assembly that “we don’t regulate businesses here in Tennessee.” Really?

I suppose that in Tennessee, we do not require businesses to apply for licenses, or permission slips, to do business within this state. In Tennessee, businesses do not have to file income or sales reporting in order to pay taxes levied by the state. Businesses are not required to follow local building or zoning ordinances, or safety guidelines. In Tennessee, businesses apparently do not have to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing ramps, elevators, etc to accommodate the disabled in our community, which comes at a significant financial burden. Business owners in Tennessee can hire and fire irrespective of race, sex, religion, or national origin. Clearly, our state does not regulate businesses or business owners.

The truth? Businesses are regulated in the state of Tennessee, except for where businesses determine to regulate the healthcare decisions of their consumers and employees by coercion.

As prescribed by Article X, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Tennessee, all members of our General Assembly must take the following oath of office.

I______ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this General Assembly, I will, in all appointments, vote without favor, affection, partiality, or prejudice; and that I will not propose or assent to any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people, or consent to any act or thing, whatever, that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared by the Constitution of this state.

The people of this state along with a majority of the Tennessee House of Representatives have expressed the need and the desire for a special session of the General Assembly to be called to address a host of issues currently plaguing our state. Yet, nothing.

Our legislators have an obligation to protect and defend the individual liberties of all people of this state, regardless of the policies of the Governor’s office or the leaning of any political party. And where our General Assembly has not only a constitutionally prescribed duty to protect these liberties but also the power and authority to do so by calling itself to a special session, the act of not doing so is then construed to engage in actively oppressing the people of this state.

I will close with something a friend told me this week which I thought was profound. We foolishly have said at times that it was voters who put elected officials in their place of authority and therefore, these elected officials are rightly accountable to the voters. And while there is a sliver of truth to that statement, we err in assuming that God is not the author and finisher of the calling of each elected official.

Let each legislator who serves the state of Tennessee be reminded that ultimately you will be held accountable to almighty God for the care you took during your time in office to ensure that you governed well, that you made sure to relieve oppression and secure freedom for God’s people, and that your actions were weighed against the truth of God’s Word.

Consider your actions, or the lack thereof.

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