Unvaccinated Republicans are helping Democrats

To the Editor:

A recent study shows that since May 2021, the point at which vaccinations widely became available, people living in counties that voted heavily for Donald Trump during the last presidential election have been nearly three times as likely to die from COVID-19 as those who live in areas that went for President Biden. People living in counties that went 60% or higher for Trump in November 2020 had 2.7 times the death rates of those that went for Biden. Counties with an even higher share of the Trump vote saw higher COVID mortality rates.

Recent polling data show Republicans are now the largest group of unvaccinated individuals in the country, more than any other single demographic group.

Tuolumne County's vaccination rate as of Dec. 3 is 58%, and we've had 144 COVID deaths. “Only” 58.17% of Tuolumne voters cast their ballot for Trump last year, but that's close to the 60% in this study.

In spite of science, facts, legitimate news and the nagging of vaccinated citizens, far too many of our neighbors still refuse to get vaccinated. So maybe we're using the wrong approach. So let's try this:

Dear Unvaccinated Republican,

Please continue to resist getting the shots. You are doing Democrats and the rest of us a great favor because your chances of dying — before you get another chance to vote — is so much greater. Given the political landscape right now, anything you can do — like dying — to help Democrats stay in power is greatly appreciated.

That sounds cruel, and it would be far better if they would simply get the “jab.” But if facts won't persuade people to get the shots, maybe the radical politics about which Donnie Trump and Fox News care so much will do the job. Get vaccinated out of spite. Please!

Gary Sipperley

Twain Harte