The following report is an opinion piece by Julian Zelizer, a political analyst for CNN:
It is time to impose vaccine mandates and passports. The Covid-19 vaccines continue to perform extraordinarily well, but the rate of infection is worsening in unvaccinated populations. The Delta variant is offering a sobering reminder that the pandemic has faded in much of the country but certainly not ended.
Both political parties have made the mistake of framing vaccines within the tradition of individualism. Even President Joe Biden, who has demonstrated his comfort with a muscular role for government, keeps appealing to individuals to make the right and patriotic choice when it comes to receiving their jabs.
Governors are imploring residents of their states to vaccinate soon. For many, the goal has been to keep making it as easy as possible for persons to have quick access without being too overtly pushy. Incentives, from multimillion-dollar lotteries to baseball tickets to a shot and a beer, have all been thrown in as part of the package. The message has been that the government will keep making vaccines as easy, accessible and attractive as possible.
It’s not enough. Easy, accessible and attractive are important; nobody should face barriers toward receiving vaccines. But citizens must also not see this as an optional inoculation.
Biden and other political leaders need to start thinking about the good of the collective and not just the rights of the individual. Doing so is not some sort of move toward socialism, as conservative critics inevitably argue. Thinking of the common good is as American as apple pie.
The United States has a long history of requiring citizens to participate in programs that help all of us.
Created in 1935, Social Security stipulated that all industrial workers pay taxes to finance pensions for the elderly. During World War II, a mass income tax system and a Selective Service program were essential to defeating the global threat of fascism.
America used taxes to pay for an interstate highway system in 1956 that enabled our communities to grow and spread all over the country. At the state and local levels, we already require students to receive vaccines (mumps, measles and more) if they are going to attend our schools. Individuals need to pass tests and receive licenses if they want to drive, so that everyone on the road is as safe as possible.
Collective obligations have always been part of what actually makes America great and we need to start talking about vaccines through this vital lens. If we want to restore normality on a long-term basis, restore our economy, create opportunity for everyone and live in a society where we and our loved ones are safe, healthy and happy, much more of the population needs to be vaccinated.
Civic obligation is a crucial partner to individual rights. With the pandemic, the connections between these two elements of our political culture have become clear. If we do not insist upon the steps necessary to truly contain Covid-19, and our hospitals start to be overloaded again, individuals in America simply won’t be able to claim their rights.
Over the July Fourth weekend, much of the country enjoyed the sweet taste of what post-pandemic life can be. We can’t afford to take too many steps backward — and the Delta variant is showing us right now how easily that could happen.
Requiring vaccination must be at the heart of our public health agenda.
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
Ecclesiastes 5:8
I realize this is CNN after all, calling for mandatory vaccination, so that is far from surprising, but as if I even needed to tell you: all the big-wigs across all sectors are turning up the pressure, needless to say.
There is a lot I could debunk here, but honestly I think it speaks for itself.
The takeaway here is this: assume and prepare for a mandatory vaccine. Prepare to have bank accounts closed, required showing of papers, and passports, and Immunabands; to have family and friends snitch on you to the government, prepare for imprisonment, prepare for evictions, prepare for the unexpected and do not be surprised at anything they do at this point. I say this, not to frighten you (as some would claim that I am), but to remind you all of these possibilities. Study the Bible and history some time. We as Christians are not guaranteed and obligated to a cozy life.
[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.Hebrews 11:36-38
Nevertheless, the rewards in heaven are great for all those that take a stand for Jesus Christ.
[9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. [10] Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.Revelation 2:9-10
In context that is referring to a group of believers during the time of Jacob’s trouble, so be careful with some of the statements and applying them to now, but instruction in righteousness is certainly there.
And hey: if the vaccines are not made mandatory, and some other things associated with it, then you lose nothing in preparing; but do NOT get complacent and dream away potential reality.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12
[7] Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? [8] Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? [9] For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? [10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).
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