Setting the cops on social-distancing scofflaws is dangerous to public health and a free society.
by J.D. Tuccille
Reason.com
In the time of the pandemic the world’s snitches are in their glory, pointing fingers at “non-essential” businesses struggling to keep the lights on and at neighbors brazenly standing too closely together. Rarely have entitled scolds been so empowered to tattle on people doing stuff of which they disapprove. Lockdown commandments hand them the opportunity not just to publicly shame violators—an annoying hobby, yet one to which they have every right—but to inform to the authorities, with all that entails.
As an epidemic, snitching seems to be competing with the virus itself in its spread.
“Snitches are emerging as enthusiastic allies as cities, states and countries work to enforce directives meant to limit person-to-person contact amid the virus pandemic that has claimed tens of thousands of lives worldwide,” reports the AP. “They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming perceived scofflaws on social media.”