Dear Mr. Mark Sullivan, CEO,

As a gentleman, you’ve never experienced first-hand what a pregnant woman feels. The unknown, the discomfort, pain, fragility, and regular humiliation that a woman goes through at a prenatal visit, are par for the course. However, Dr. Obst brings an immediately comforting presence, understanding, acceptance, courage and reassurance. This helpful demeanor, along with her hard-working expertise (that I have witness with my own life and a child’s life a delivery room) is invaluable. Does a doctor like Dr. Jaime Obst come around often? I don’t know everything, but I’d argue that she’s one of the finest. I know that you most likely think this too. True diamonds shine brightly, don’t they?

You may have already gleaned why I’m writing. Dr. Obst is preparing to lose her job due to the vaccine mandate. She has filed for religious exemption, but New York State doesn’t believe in religion and they don’t believe in exemptions…so they must not believe in freedom either. (Perhaps, I diverge.) Therefore, you may say to her that you know she’s invaluable, but “your hands are tied.” You find Hochul and her henchman to be too powerful and scary. “It’s not my fault,” you’ll tell yourself, “rules are rules.” Mr. Sullivan, when you don’t stand up for a good doctor, who is under your leadership and care, and fire them due to ethically objecting an experimental shot, you will be held responsible. The weight of this is on your shoulders. The weight can be shirked. It will be easy; just do as you’re told. Fire your employee, be good by the god-less state of NY. 

I know that the pressure of this must seem unmanageable. But if you find anything illogical to this mandate, any tinge of injustice in this, you must act. There is a quote from the movie, “Spiderman,” that says, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” You have a seat of power and leadership. If the leaders in this state, such as yourself, don’t stand up to the power-hungry, exemption-less, Goliath, we will never turn back to normal. “Courage, Dear Heart,” Aslan whispered to himself, in The Lion, The Witch , and The Wardrobe, as he made his way toward sacrificing. He was sticking his neck out for a friend, a true sacrifice. What will you regret at the end of it all, Mr. Sullivan? And what will you be proud of? What will you have sacrificed? It is that sacrifice which will become the bouquet you will bring to the feet of the Bridegroom. It is that sacrifice and social martyrdom that will become your white crown. Now is the time to put on armor against injustices and fight the good fight. Do not be afraid! I know you have been called to great things. I know that you can do this.

Sincerely,

Just a Former Patient,

Jessica Cain