The Politics of Covid 19, mask wearing and the vaccination process

[Smoove_B]

https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status ... 3775569922

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City will require police officers, other municipal workers to get COVID vaccines or be placed on unpaid leave.

I'm nearly 100% sure the same thing is coming to NJ after 11/2.

[Octavious]

https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status ... 3775569922

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City will require police officers, other municipal workers to get COVID vaccines or be placed on unpaid leave.

I'm nearly 100% sure the same thing is coming to NJ after 11/2.

I'm not going to lie. I kind of get a kick out of watching the videos of the cops signing off for the last time because they are making a stand. Bunch of idiots...

[Smoove_B]

I'm not going to lie. I kind of get a kick out of watching the videos of the cops signing off for the last time because they are making a stand. Bunch of idiots...

I thought this was excellent

https://twitter.com/JakeMGrumbach/statu ... 2369655809

When police resign instead of following this very easy rule, just imagine how many codes of conduct they routinely break, how important it is to their occupational identity that they obey no civilian authority.

[Unagi]

I'm not going to lie. I kind of get a kick out of watching the videos of the cops signing off for the last time because they are making a stand. Bunch of idiots...

I thought this was excellent
<<snip>>

When police resign instead of following this very easy rule, just imagine how many codes of conduct they routinely break, how important it is to their occupational identity that they obey no civilian authority.

LOL, I think one of those guys in the video was turning in his baby, not his boots.

And yeah, that was put very nicely.

[Skinypupy]

My cousin's widow just sent a group text to all the family members asking the entire family to please "support In-N-Out as much as possible". ICYMI, one of their SF locations was apparently shut down because they wouldn't comply with CA vaccination requirements. They made a big stink about it so they've now become a hero to the anti-vaxx crowd.

This is a woman whose husband died of COVID after spending weeks on a ventilator in the ICU. She herself was in the ICU for a week because she got it as well. And yet she still is adamant in her anti-vaxx, anti-mask views and continues to proselytize them far and wide to anyone who will listen.

Even when it directly affects them and kills their own family members, they're still fully on board the anti-vaxx train. There is truly no deprogramming these people. Ever.

[LordMortis]

This is a woman whose husband died of COVID after spending weeks on a ventilator in the ICU. She herself was in the ICU for a week because she got it as well. And yet she still is adamant in her anti-vaxx, anti-mask views and continues to proselytize them far and wide to anyone who will listen.

Even when it directly affects them and kills their own family members, they're still fully on board the anti-vaxx train. There is truly no deprogramming these people. Ever.

This is literally a portion of my family, right down to Cousin's widow. I'm so glad my mother at least is heavy masker and is aware enough to avoid those who don't practice social hygiene.

She wants to have Thanksgiving Dinner this year but doesn't have the will to dis-invite family who don't practice social hygiene. Told her I wasn't likely to come. I'm trying to figure out a way but I'm just not seeing it. Maybe if it's warm enough and early enough I can make an appearance in the garage. I dunno. I have about a month to figure it out.

[Kasey Chang]

More than a few people have pointed out the irony that police, an institution to make the populace obey the law, is itself non-conforming. But it's only a tiny vocal minority, and we should just see the theater for what it is: pompous self-inflation for PR and ego-feeding.

[Max Peck]

Unvaccinated Ottawa police must provide negative test every three days under new policy

Ottawa Police Service members who are not fully vaccinated must produce a negative COVID-19 test every 72 hours, according to the service’s new vaccination policy.

The policy, which was emailed to all OPS members on Friday and comes into effect immediately, requires OPS staff to disclose their vaccination status, and, if they are unvaccinated, they must provide written proof of a medical exemption and request accommodation. If members provide no such proof, they will be considered unvaccinated.

Those who remain unvaccinated and do not have medical exemptions must complete an OPS COVID-19 education course by Nov. 15 and will have to provide negative COVID-19 tests every 72 hours even if they are working from home, without which they will be unable to enter OPS facilities.

The tests, which can be either a PCR or rapid antigen test, must be done outside working hours at OPS-identified testing locations, the service’s policy said.

“Members must be aware and respect that many governments, health care providers, universities, authorities, agencies, organizations and businesses do not recognize negative COVID-19 testing in lieu of vaccination,” the OPS policy noted. “This requirement does not apply to police service members for the purpose of entering a specified business while exercising their lawful duties.”

The vaccination policy was developed jointly by the police service and Ottawa Police Association, which represents most OPS members, and the email to members on Friday was signed by both OPS Chief Peter Sloly and OPA president Matt Skof.

“This policy was drafted with the full coordination and cooperation between the OPS and the OPA,” read a message accompanying the policy. “The policy is designed to keep you safe.”

[Smoove_B]

There's a pattern here, but I'm not sure if I see it clearly.

https://twitter.com/peoplesmedianyc/sta ... 6761954308

When someone tries to say that today’s NYPD-led march was attended by “all sorts” of people, show them this…

Not a good look, fellas. The thread under that Tweet is also...interesting. For context, I believe this was part of their protest march yesterday where the blocked/closed the Brooklyn Bridge.

[Skinypupy]

I hate that I have the same look as so many of these MAGA chuds (shaved head, beard, Oakley sunglasses, etc.).

Had the same look for 15+ years now, but may have to start growing my hair out just so I don't get mistaken for one of these assholes. Gah...I really hate getting haircuts (which was the whole reason for the head-shaving in the first place).

[malchior]

Some of the videos I saw yesterday had a clear 'Let's go Brandon!' chant going. Which as an aside is appropriately idiotic. They don't get that what we see is that they are all acting like a middle schooler who thinks they are clever pulling one over on the principal. Morons. Oh no, don't quit/get fired. What would we do without these closet fascists in the police ranks?

[El Guapo]

Brandon?

[Skinypupy]

Brandon?

It's MAGA code for "Fuck Joe Biden"

I'd seen it a few times but had to look it up this morning.

[malchior]

Brandon?

At a Nascar event, Brandon Brown was being interviewed. The crowd was chanting 'Fuck Joe Biden' - the reporter said it was a, 'Let's go Brandon' chant. Hence a middle school level chant was born. This is fairly new but seeing an army of cops chant it sort of rips away the illusion that many of these police are anything but the enemy. Not a big shock for anyone in the area. NYPD is chock full of racists and MAGA. It's infested with bad apples.

[Octavious]

I see it like every 5 seconds on Facebook now. The majority of diehard Trump fans have the mentality of a middle school kid so I'm not surprised. And ya almost all the cops I know of are pro Trump. That's one of the scarier things as who the hell knows what they will be willing to do or not do for Trump or someone similar. All the really diehards quitting because they don't want to get a vaccine is a good start.

[Smoove_B]

NJ just voted to require vaccines or test results if you want to enter the the NJ Statehouse.

Under the resolution, people who wish to enter the Statehouse and the Statehouse annex on committee days, voting sessions or for any other meetings would need to show proof of full vaccination or a negative coronavirus PCR test from within 72 hours.

The policy would apply to elected lawmakers voting in person, all legislative staff members, reporters covering events, and anyone visiting the Statehouse, including those who want to speak at a hearing or protest a bill inside the building.

I am guessing there's a few local representatives that are going to spin this up into a rallying cry, because freedom.

[Alefroth]

There's a pattern here, but I'm not sure if I see it clearly.

https://twitter.com/peoplesmedianyc/sta ... 6761954308

When someone tries to say that today’s NYPD-led march was attended by “all sorts” of people, show them this…

Not a good look, fellas. The thread under that Tweet is also...interesting. For context, I believe this was part of their protest march yesterday where the blocked/closed the Brooklyn Bridge.

They should have been kettled and tear-gassed.

[Smoove_B]

They should have been kettled and tear-gassed.

Seriously.

In other news, I have...a close family acquaintance currently working for a rather large employer in our area that is slow-walking anything related to COVID-19. I'm confident it's because of the part of the state we live in and 90% of the employees are like-minded locals. Anyway, they've been mandated to return to work 12/1 and there will be no masking or vaccination requirement for people coming back to the office.

Hold up, you say - didn't President Biden mandate via OSHA that any employer with 100+ employees must implement a vaccination policy? Yes, yes he did. But because the specifics are still in limbo, this company is opting to do nothing rather than try and comply with the spirit of the forthcoming law.

The result is that this rule is being issued in a counterintuitive dynamic. Most people wait for the ink to dry on a rule before they comply with it. In this case, OSHA is racing to catch up. From a public health perspective, however, announcing an emergency rule and encouraging employers and employees to come along, while still putting it through its proper paces, might be the most effective strategic choice to get more people vaccinated in the near term. After all, an ETS that has not been issued is an ETS that cannot yet be challenged in court. It also stalls the government’s need to answer implementation questions.

OSHA sent its draft rule to OIRA on Oct. 12. That kicked off a review process that will take an uncertain amount of time; OIRA review can take days or weeks or longer. In the meantime, sending the rule to OIRA was a big milestone for the ETS and a signal to employers and employees to continue to prepare; for what exactly, we will have to wait to see.

And of course, the lobbying has already started:

Worried that President Joe Biden's Covid vaccine mandate for private companies could cause a mass exodus of employees, business groups are pleading with the White House to delay the rule until after the holiday season.

It always comes back to the economy, doesn't it? Kinda makes me think if the government just gave every person $500 for vaccinating, we'd be done with this already.

[malchior]

The idea there will be a mass exodus is pure dumb/deflection. It isn't happening. The compliance rates are usually 95+% even in these MAGA police populations. I can't take the idea seriously.

[stessier]

The idea there will be a mass exodus is pure dumb/deflection. It isn't happening. The compliance rates are usually 95+% even in these MAGA police populations. I can't take the idea seriously.

Yeah, I have to agree. When it comes time to choose between their money or their mouth, almost all choose their money.

The other reason to keep it in place is so that there is no where to run. If you can leave Company A because Company B can run without the vaccine, more will leave. If both A and B require it, though, more will stay put.

[Zaxxon]

The idea there will be a mass exodus is pure dumb/deflection. It isn't happening. The compliance rates are usually 95+% even in these MAGA police populations. I can't take the idea seriously.

Yeah, I have to agree. When it comes time to choose between their money or their mouth, almost all choose their money.

The other reason to keep it in place is so that there is no where to run. If you can leave Company A because Company B can run without the vaccine, more will leave. If both A and B require it, though, more will stay put.

Yep. And also, if you're worried about a mass exodus, does moving the deadline past the holiday really help? I mean sure on one level, but you're still screwed, just a few weeks later.

[Octavious]

Sure it means they bought stuff for Christmas. We need to keep the gravy train going! I'm curious to see how Black Friday goes this year. I'll be hiding in a bunker.

[Unagi]

Sure it means they bought stuff for Christmas. We need to keep the gravy train going! I'm curious to see how Black Friday goes this year. I'll be hiding in a bunker.

Capitalism tries for a delicate balance: It attempts to work things out so that everyone gets just enough stuff to keep them from getting violent and trying to take other people’s stuff.

Heh. I always mistake your signature for the next part of your post... I had to triple guess myself this time.

[Octavious]

Sure it means they bought stuff for Christmas. We need to keep the gravy train going! I'm curious to see how Black Friday goes this year. I'll be hiding in a bunker.

Capitalism tries for a delicate balance: It attempts to work things out so that everyone gets just enough stuff to keep them from getting violent and trying to take other people’s stuff.

Heh. I always mistake your signature for the next part of your post... I had to triple guess myself this time.

I was actually thinking that myself when I wrote it. It fits perfectly.

[Daehawk]

Tennessee Republicans ready to shove their evil assholiness down everyones throat.

Tennessee Republican lawmakers are preparing to take a broad swipe at officials who've helped maintain COVID-19 pandemic protections.

They have indicated they could even try to circumvent elected district attorneys if they publicly decline to enforce certain laws — a national trend by progressive prosecutors that Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk has carried out on multiple hot-button policies that target abortion rights, transgender people, mask requirements in schools and small marijuana possession cases.

School board members, who at times have drawn conservatives' ire by implementing mask mandates in classrooms, could be required to declare a party affiliation to run for office, or mask mandates in schools could be banned.

And businesses that require vaccines for employees or customers, could be made liable for “harm or injury” from employees taking a vaccine, workers fired for refusing could be assured they can receive unemployment, and lawmakers could potentially bar vaccination as a condition of employment.

[Zaxxon]

Remember my county? The one with the crazy board that removed itself from its local public health entity because masks are hard and stuff? And then formed its own mock board that immediately as its first order of business announced its own public health order allowing anyone to opt themselves and their kids out of mask mandates within the county?

They just had a not-so-great-for-them ruling in District Court today. The school district sued the County Board of Health, alleging that the new local PHO violates the ADA, and requested an immediate injunction preventing enforcement of the local PHO (and therefore enforcing the mask mandate once again). They won a 14-day injunction (and potentially more if that hearing doesn't go down the tubes).

It's nice when rational thought prevails. Now I just hope we can get shots in arms before things fall apart again...

[Blackhawk]

I hate that I have the same look as so many of these MAGA chuds (shaved head, beard, Oakley sunglasses, etc.).

Had the same look for 15+ years now, but may have to start growing my hair out just so I don't get mistaken for one of these assholes. Gah...I really hate getting haircuts (which was the whole reason for the head-shaving in the first place).

Given that I shave my head, I had a lot of the same feelings for a while. I don't want to bear the asshole brand. I thought about bringing back the Tom Selleck, but went with an Imperial beard (somewhere between a friendly and a hulihee.) Sure enough, looking at that picture I don't see a one.

[LordMortis]

I hate that I have the same look as so many of these MAGA chuds (shaved head, beard, Oakley sunglasses, etc.).

Had the same look for 15+ years now, but may have to start growing my hair out just so I don't get mistaken for one of these assholes. Gah...I really hate getting haircuts (which was the whole reason for the head-shaving in the first place).

My new neighbor is the shaved head, bearded, oakely wearing guy, who drives a truck with a straight pipe and a giant decal of the tattered black and white American flag, and grows pot in 20 gallon plastic buckets in his backyard. And yes, I've made my pre-judgement that he also likely has a trove of guns in his house and his first proposed answer to any question is going to be threat or act of violence.

Sorry. I know too many bearded shaved head people to make that my first assumption but all it takes is one more "and" and I become prejudiced. I don't know who else to be any more. The cult around me is just too much not to retreat.

[stessier]

I shave my head, but never really could grow a good beard. I also wear Costa. Glad I miss out on the stereotyping.

[malchior]

https://twitter.com/OlgaNYC1211/status/ ... 6715825155

[Smoove_B]

Hadn't seen that garbage issue reported anywhere.

Here's what's happening right now in NYC, outside the mayor's mansion

https://twitter.com/aeis17/status/1453736482670198807

I’m outside Gracie Mansion for a rally against the de Blasio admin’s mandate to vaccinate all city workers, hosted by FDNY unions. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa arrived in support. It’s not just FDNY unions here. Anti-vaxxers, Trump supporters and those opposed to the mandate are also here. I asked Jim McCarthy with the FDNY Fire Officers Association whether this is an ideological debate, rather than a public health one, and he dismissed my Q. The rally is about labor contracts, and he believes in the First Amendment rights to rally — even if they’re not associated with the reason behind it, he said. “How about natural immunity? We all had Covid and we’re OK,” shouts Stephania Christian, who is opposed to vaccines after her child was “injured” after getting inoculated. “The criminal CDC is not accepting natural immunity. They’re alarmist Nazis. This is a Nazi agenda.” Councilman Joe Borelli, a Staten Island Republican, is out here because he’s opposed to the mandate. “Vaccines were never controversial until they took it away from primary care doctors. It somehow gets molded into an ideological battle with people who want some medical consent”

[El Guapo]

"Alarmist Nazis"? What are non-alarmist Nazis? "Yeah we're not crazy about the Jews either, but they don't really pose a danger to the Aryan race."

[hepcat]

Remember the events of Kristallnacht when the Nazis went around forcing all Jewish citizens to take vitamins and get their flu shots?

[Daehawk]

Hardly any masks anymore in my town. Theres a few of us smart enough....the rest not so much. 50% of them think its all over and the other 50% didn't give a shit to begin with.

[LordMortis]

I’m outside Gracie Mansion for a rally against the de Blasio admin’s mandate to vaccinate all city workers, hosted by FDNY unions. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa arrived in support. It’s not just FDNY unions here. Anti-vaxxers, Trump supporters and those opposed to the mandate are also here. I asked Jim McCarthy with the FDNY Fire Officers Association whether this is an ideological debate, rather than a public health one, and he dismissed my Q. The rally is about labor contracts, and he believes in the First Amendment rights to rally — even if they’re not associated with the reason behind it, he said. “How about natural immunity? We all had Covid and we’re OK,” shouts Stephania Christian, who is opposed to vaccines after her child was “injured” after getting inoculated. “The criminal CDC is not accepting natural immunity. They’re alarmist Nazis. This is a Nazi agenda.” Councilman Joe Borelli, a Staten Island Republican, is out here because he’s opposed to the mandate. “Vaccines were never controversial until they took it away from primary care doctors. It somehow gets molded into an ideological battle with people who want some medical consent”

Were old men "slipping" and as a result needing to be hospitalized for severe brain damage. I hear that happens at political rallies in New York.

[Alefroth]

Hadn't seen that garbage issue reported anywhere.

Here's what's happening right now in NYC, outside the mayor's mansion

https://twitter.com/aeis17/status/1453736482670198807

Are those Guardian Angels in the red berets? If so, I didn't realize they were still a thing.

edit: Huh, Curtis Sliwa is the founder.

[Smoove_B]

Are those Guardian Angels in the red berets? If so, I didn't realize they were still a thing.

Oh yeah, absolutely. Of note:

In September 2016, Sliwa launched a successful hostile takeover of the Reform Party of New York State. The party lost its ballot access in the November 2018 elections.

In December 2019, Sliwa declared in an interview that he hated then Republican President of the United States Donald Trump, calling him a "screwball and a crackpot". In February 2021, weeks after Trump left office, Sliwa switched from the Reform Party to the Republican Party.

Regarding his campaign to be mayor of NYC:

Sliwa has run on a platform opposing the defund the police movement, supporting a property tax overhaul so that working-class residents would not pay higher property taxes than wealthy citizens, keeping in place the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test while increasing opportunities for vocational training in charter schools, and focusing on fiscal restraint.] He also opposes the killing of unwanted animals and supports making all animal shelters no-kill shelters.

Also, very much against vaccination mandates.

[Daehawk]

Too bad targeted diseases dont insta kill assholes.

[Smoove_B]

I'm sure it will start making the rounds today, but last night Newsweek released their cover art for their 11/05 issue. It can only be described as an attempt to sell magazines while undermining public health. The role the media has been playing during this pandemic is really disappointing. I expected this from Fox, but Newsweek? Unreal.

[El Guapo]

I'm sure it will start making the rounds today, but last night Newsweek released their cover art for their 11/05 issue. It can only be described as an attempt to sell magazines while undermining public health. The role the media has been playing during this pandemic is really disappointing. I expected this from Fox, but Newsweek? Unreal.

Oh, Newsweek is completely in the crapper - they're trading a bit on their prior reputation (as long as that will last), but they are a zombie magazine that's been hijacked to launder right wing nonsense.