During Thursday's (September 9) press conference, President Joe Biden made it absolutely clear that he was going to use every weapon in his presidential arsenal to force Americans to get vaccinated. While scolding those who still have not received the shot, he laid out his six-point COVID response plan that will affect about 100 million workers across the nation. "These pandemic politics are making people sick," the president said, accusing anyone who refuses the shot – no matter the reason – of blocking the health and wellbeing of everyone else.
The 6-Point Plan
Vaccinating the Unvaccinated - Nearly 80 million Americans have yet to get poked for prosperity, according to Biden. "The time for waiting is over," he demanded, and then threw in the whopper that will have millions of citizens fit to be tied:
"This is not about freedom or personal choice. It's about protecting yourself and those around you … My job as president is to protect all Americans."
In a draconian move, the commander-in-chief ordered all businesses with 100 or more employees to require their staff gets vaccinated or show a negative test at least once a week. "Bottom line, we're going to protect vaccinated workers from unvaccinated co-workers," the president decreed. Furthermore, bosses across the nation will have to pay for their employees' time off to get the jab.
Federal workers will have no option if they wish to keep their jobs – they must be vaccinated. And that goes for any contractors who wish to work for the government. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the federal workers would have a 75-day "ramp-up" period to get the deed done.
In addition, more than 17 million health care workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals and other facilities are required to be inoculated or lose their jobs as well.
Twitter was abuzz with citizens' ire. One person posted: "Did not realize it was that easy. Can't wait for the next President to sign an Executive order to force all Americans to carry a handgun, with no option to opt-out. Just checking, is this how it works in America now?"
The commander-in-chief implored all entertainment venues, especially larger-scale ones, to require vaccination from their staff and even their guests. He then got tough and threatened governors, "I'll use my powers as president to take their power away" if they are not doing enough to help push his COVID response plans. Keep in mind, in December 2020, the president promised not to implement mandates, and just the other day, Psaki said it is not the government's job to mandate vaccinations for private businesses.
Boosters - Because two shots are not enough to combat the virus, Biden said they are working on making many more boosters so that every American can get the boost as soon as possible.
Keeping Schools Open - While saying parents with children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated should make sure everyone they come into contact with has been inoculated, Biden proclaimed that all staff in Head Start Programs, Department of Defense Schools, and Bureau of Indian Education-operated schools must get the vaccine – about 300,000 education workers.
(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
This part of the plan also includes providing additional funding to districts for "safe school reopening," which provides for backfilling salaries and other funding that was withheld by states. Furthermore, students and staff are to be regularly tested for the virus.
Increased Testing and Wearing Masks - The president promised, "no later than next week," three big brand stores – Amazon, Kroger, and Walmart – will be selling at-home test kits at cost to the public. Mask mandates will continue to remain in place on federal property as well as during any commercial traveling. Speaking of which, if you plan to travel and refuse to wear a mask, Biden has made sure the TSA will double the fines.
Economic Recovery - First, Mr. Biden patted himself on the back, claiming America's economic growth has been unmatched in 20 years. Then he segued into the expansion of COVID loan programs for small businesses and streamlining the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The president promised these measures will prevent future shutdowns.
Improving Care for Those With COVID - So far, surge response teams comprising medical staff from FEMA, the CDC, and the Defense Department, have sent nearly 1,000 personnel to 18 states. Now, Biden says they will be doubling that number. The president also took another opportunity to scold the "non-believers" and said the government will be increasing medicines that have been recommended "by real doctors, not conspiracy theorists."
True to form, the president walked away from the podium without taking a single question from the crowd. Thursday's speech was all business and control … not freedom or personal choice.
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