(Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

(Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Why weren’t past vaccine mandates an issue?

Can Dunleavy be held liable for COVID illnesses or deaths of Alaska’s National Guard members?

Can Gov. Mike Dunleavy be held personally liable for COVID illnesses or deaths of Alaska’s National Guard members by halting their federally mandated virus vaccinations?

If he can exercise this power without curbs and consequence, can he then prohibit all the other vaccinations prescribed for the military over the years such as smallpox, yellow fever, scarlet fever, diphtheria, plague, and typhus? And what about the fears of potential biological threats that led President Bill Clinton requiring anthrax vaccinations followed by President George W. Bush reemphasizing smallpox mandates after the 9/11 attacks?

The freedom of National Guard men and women to adhere to or resign based on these previous mandates was never an issue. Why is it now, when America has suffered 800,000 casualties from COVID-19?

James Axel Wilson

Haines