Violet Affleck Takes a Stand at L.A. County Board Meeting
Ever wondered what it’s like to see a young person take a bold stand on a big issue? Violet Affleck, daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, just did that.
A Personal Story Behind the Advocacy
On July 9, at the L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting, Violet introduced herself: “I’m Violet Affleck, Los Angeles resident, first-time voter, and 18.” She shared a powerful personal story.
“I contracted a post-viral condition in 2019. I’m OK now, but I saw firsthand that medicine doesn’t always have answers for even minor viruses,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these uncertainties.
Key Points:
- Personal Experience: Contracted a post-viral condition in 2019.
- Medical Uncertainty: Pandemic underscored the unknowns in medicine.
The Call for Action
Violet didn’t just share her story; she demanded change. “One in 10 infections leads to long COVID, a devastating neurological and cardiovascular illness,” she stated. This condition hits vulnerable people hardest.
Specific Demands:
- Mask Availability
- Air Filtration
- Far-UVC Light in Government Facilities
The Impact of Long COVID
According to the Mayo Clinic, post-COVID syndrome includes symptoms like fatigue, worsened symptoms after physical or mental effort, fever, and respiratory issues. These conditions have caused widespread unemployment and billions in lost wages.
Violet’s Appeal
Violet concluded her speech with a strong call to action. “We must expand high-quality free tests and treatment. Most importantly, the county must oppose mask bans for any reason,” she urged. She emphasized that mask bans don’t keep us safer but make vulnerable community members less safe.
Supporting Stories and Examples
Violet graduated on May 30 and has seen the real-life impacts of these policies. Her parents, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, support her activism.
Jennifer Garner on Parenting
Garner, in an April 2023 interview with PEOPLE, spoke about the challenges of parenting teenagers. “I have a huge heart for teenagers. I see how hard it is to be a teen right now,” she said. Garner believes in learning from her kids as much as teaching them.
Conclusion
Violet Affleck’s passionate speech against mask bans highlights the ongoing debate about public health measures. Her personal story and call for action resonate with many who are still navigating the impacts of COVID-19.
Photo credit: virtuelabs
