Vaccine Mandate Madness
New York | October 13, 2021
President Biden’s excessive executive action mandating vaccines is causing an equally excessive reaction among some Republicans. See Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order Monday banning vaccine mandates by private employers. This political vaccine jujitsu is causing real harm to Americans and U.S. social harmony. Vaccines have saved tens of thousands of American lives. Most recognize that the benefits outweigh the risks, and the spread of the Delta variant propelled millions more to get vaccinated this summer. About 78% of American adults and 95% over age 65 have received at least one dose. But some are still reluctant to get the jab for religious, medical or other reasons and don’t think they should have to. Individual liberty eroded during the pandemic, but it is still ingrained in American law and culture. With vaccines widely available, many Americans want to return to their pre-pandemic lives with minimal government interference. Yet even as the U.S. was turning the corner on Delta, President Biden issued his sweeping vaccine diktats, which he no doubt hoped would boost his flagging public support. Polls show that vaccine mandates are popular with most Americans. But Mr. Biden’s mandate has hardened political opposition to vaccines and turned them into another accelerant for polarization… Excerpts from Wall Street Journal/Editorial Board