Why does American politics seem to swing toward extremes so willingly? And it’s ALWAYS been so inclined - can’t blame it on the internet - remember McCarthy? Leaders of the “Free”World - my arse.
In fairness, saying that "The only people vaccines truly protect are those who are vaccinated" isn't strictly correct. According to some big studies in the UK, vaccinated people don't transmit Delta just as strongly as the unvaccinated. Moreover, and that's a huge thing a lot of people miss, only infected people spread COVID, and vaccination prevents people from being infected. Not as effectively for Delta as it does for the previous variants, but still. A vaccinated person is around 50% less likely to get infected with Delta, so at least 50% less likely to spread the virus - and that's before we get into the nitty-gritty of exactly how much virus do infected vaccinated people breath out compared to infected non-vaccinated.
Erik, I have a sincere question and would be very interested in your answer. You've stated numerous times, including this article, that you're pro-vaccination and believe that "healthcare workers obviously should get vaccinated". But how exactly should those who don't wish to get a vaccine, even if you agree that they should, be compelled to do so, if not by mandate? To be clear, I'm not 100 percent behind the implementation of Hochul's mandate, but if we're unwilling to apply any force at all, of what use is the belief that people "should" get vaccinated?
This epidemic has revealed the authoritarian impulses of our "leaders".
Never expected much from them, but the media is cheering on the authoritarians (except for a few independents like Kain, Greenwald, and Weiss).
Never expected this trend towards authoritarianism to happen in the U.S.
But here we are.
And I, a card carrying member of the right (I am exaggerating) has become a sans culotte.
Time for Americans to speak up.
Why does American politics seem to swing toward extremes so willingly? And it’s ALWAYS been so inclined - can’t blame it on the internet - remember McCarthy? Leaders of the “Free”World - my arse.
Great commentary as usual though.
In fairness, saying that "The only people vaccines truly protect are those who are vaccinated" isn't strictly correct. According to some big studies in the UK, vaccinated people don't transmit Delta just as strongly as the unvaccinated. Moreover, and that's a huge thing a lot of people miss, only infected people spread COVID, and vaccination prevents people from being infected. Not as effectively for Delta as it does for the previous variants, but still. A vaccinated person is around 50% less likely to get infected with Delta, so at least 50% less likely to spread the virus - and that's before we get into the nitty-gritty of exactly how much virus do infected vaccinated people breath out compared to infected non-vaccinated.
Erik, I have a sincere question and would be very interested in your answer. You've stated numerous times, including this article, that you're pro-vaccination and believe that "healthcare workers obviously should get vaccinated". But how exactly should those who don't wish to get a vaccine, even if you agree that they should, be compelled to do so, if not by mandate? To be clear, I'm not 100 percent behind the implementation of Hochul's mandate, but if we're unwilling to apply any force at all, of what use is the belief that people "should" get vaccinated?