Gosar’s ‘show me your papers’ law hypocrisy
The crowd that historically cheered for “show me your papers” laws suddenly find objectionable that they face the same standard.
Of all people, Arizona congressman Paul Gosar said on Twitter that “No American should be subject to the question ‘Where are your papers?’ ”
In case you’ve forgotten, the conservative Republican is a staunch anti-immigrant, “build the wall” and “show me your papers” kind of guy.
But God forbid if Americans are asked to do the same thing, not about their immigration status of course, but about something more immediate and relevant to fellow Americans: A COVID-19 vaccine passport.
Gosar is co-sponsoring legislation by Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana to prohibit federal funding to implement or enforce a COVID-19 vaccine passport because asking for it would be a “gross violation of rights of every American to
make their own personal health-care choices.”
We, in America, love our freedom, of course.
And that’s why everyone is encouraged but not forced to get a vaccine shot, though that’s the only way to end the
COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than half a million Americans and devastated the U.S. economy.
We in America defend our rights and freedom over everything else. So, yes. Gosar’s people don’t have to take the vaccine if they don’t want to. And they certainly don’t have to “show their vaccine papers.”
But their rights and freedom end where mine and that of others begin.
They can remain cooped up in their homes or can move to a “nonvaccinated” campground where they can practice their rights and freedom to catch and spread the virus among themselves, right?
Let’s be clear. President Joe Biden has ruled out a COVID-19 vaccine passport, though some are still pushing for it.
Requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination isn’t crazy. It’s the responsible thing to do to protect the public’s health. The U.S. is already requiring COVID test results for anyone flying into the country. That mandate should be expanded for domestic travel and other functions. Proof of vaccination should also be required.
Don’t want to provide proof of the vaccine? Fine. But don’t infringe upon the rights of everyone else who do have a sense of civic responsibility.