The Tennessee Emergency Health Powers Act is another attempt to curtail liberty. Part of the bill would require a health-care provider, coroner or medical examiner to report cases of persons with an illness or health condition that may potentially cause a public health emergency.

What's a health emergency, anyway? Obesity? AIDS? Rabies? The bill covers animals, too. Compensation for destroyed property doesn't apply; anyone commissioned under the bill's provisions can't be sued unless there's gross misconduct. There is no accountability.

While protecting public health may be a noble idea, it usually smacks of fascist tendencies. Where do we draw the line? I urge people to contact their representatives and request that they stand against this legislation.

Chris Fortner

Knoxville