Several House Republicans have compared the efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible to the practices Nazi Germany. Many have spread baseless conspiracy theories about the vaccinations and government efforts to promote them. When asked by CNN 217 of 217 House Democrats replied that they have been vaccinated. However, only 95 of 211 House Republicans they had taken the shots. Some stubbornly claim that they have not received a vaccine and have no intention to do so, but 97 House Republicans would not reveal to CNN whether or not they have been vaccinated. They are essentially telling reporters, “It’s none of your business” and indicating that they have no responsibility to model good behavior for their constituents.

Now it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what is going on here.  I will bet good money that the vast majority are fully vaccinated, but don’t want their constitutes, who view getting the shots as helping the Biden administration, to know that they are traitors to that cause.  Evidently, it is okay for their constituents to play Russian roulette with the deadly virus and not encourage them to do otherwise with their example, but they selfishly aren’t up to taking the same risk themselves.

However, everything we do or don’t do has consequences in life, and this situation should be no different.  As Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi has the prerogative of setting up the rules that govern conduct in the House of Representatives.  She should mandate that those House members and staffers who are not vaccinated will have to wear masks when on the House floor.  This is not an unreasonable step to take.  It follows CDC guidance that those who are not vaccinated should wear masks indoors when many other people are present.

The Sergeant at Arms could be given the directive not to let anyone enter the House chamber without a mask unless they provide proof of vaccination.  He could also be given instructions to remove from the House floor any individual who should be wearing a mask but has taken it off.  

Republican House members who are are afraid to reveal if they have been vaccinated or not will have a choice, they can either wear a mask the entire time that they spend in the House chamber, which admittedly won’t be much fun, or they can stop their charades and admit that they have been vaccinated if that is indeed the case.  Those who have not been vaccinated will be stuck wearing a mask for the foreseeable future. I certainly have no problem whatsoever with that.

The Speaker should take this step because it will not only help to decrease the level of hypocrisy running rampant in the Republican ranks, but more importantly, it will make everyone doing the business of the House safer and more secure.

Cajun     7/22/21