Tony StarkDec 16, 2022

Here’s another example of Republicans defying common practice and common sense, this time to prop up anti-vaccination nonsense for a political “statement.”

Republicans have already been clear that they won’t support further aid to Ukraine after they get the House next month. So of course they’d take the opportunity to sabotage whatever they can now.

Vaccinations help prevent the loss of critical team members to viruses along with preventing illness from spreading where personnel are interacting. Using the repeal of the COVID vaccination mandate as a hostage has the potential to make entire units non-deployable in the future and risk the health of countless individuals.

Misinformation coupled with reckless political antics will affect national security. Incredibly irresponsible, but that’s Republican.

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/15/senate-sends-biden-military-bill-that-would-lift-covid-vaccine-mandate-for-troops-and-authorize-more-ukraine-funding.html

Senate sends Biden military bill that would lift Covid vaccine mandate for troops and authorize more Ukraine funding

The $858 billion legislation would allow for more security spending on Ukraine and Taiwan and authorize a 4.6% pay increase for U.S. troops.

CNBC
Show threadHumble Fan of Atty. WooDec 16, 2022
@TonyStark
As an Army Veteran, this is exactly what stumps me. If we want/need our military members to be able to protect our nation at the drop of a hat, as I do, then we MUST protect them just as we protect ourselves against communicable diseases/viruses and such. To be against COVID vaccinations is reckless & seems to play into the hands of our enemies abroad & perhaps at home, and that may be the ultimate purpose for Republicans. If so, that is contrary to America's safety! Vax UP! Mask up!
Show threadTony StarkDec 16, 2022

@BillMcGuire Indeed. I hate seeing this. I don’t know if it gets tiring or not to say thanks for your service, but I’m saying it.

There’s a long and unfortunate history here that shows why vaccines are mandated to begin with. Too many have made this particular one political for no other purpose than their own advantage.

Show threadHumble Fan of Atty. WooDec 16, 2022
@TonyStark
I've always felt a bit uneasy when anyone thanks me for my service. One reason is that 99 times out of 100, they didn't serve, and it is so trite. The other reason is that my draft #13 pushed me to enlist so I could choose a route that wouldn't put me in Vietnam. My recruiter was great help in that regard. I was Army Security Agency w/a top secret clearance & I enjoyed being stationed on Okinawa, Japan for 30 mos. I played every sport. I dated several foreign nationals. Never shot at
Show threadTony StarkDec 16, 2022

@BillMcGuire Thanks for that answer. I am not one to minimize others’ contributions and experiences and like listening to them and learning that way. I have friends, some very good ones with active and past military service in my life and I know it’s often a hard road.

And I definitely dislike being trite.

I do enjoy talking with you and appreciate your opinion.

Show threadHumble Fan of Atty. Woo
@TonyStark
Thanks, Tony. I appreciate you, too. I'm proud of my service & had a fairly safe time, though I almost died of carbon monoxide poisoning twice while in S. Korea where I was stationed for my last 15.5 mos. I married a lady I met there & we stayed together 24 yrs. Have a son with her who got his smarts from my father. ha. Keep the faith. Talk available anytime you choose. Take care.
Dec 16, 2022 at 6:34pmWeb
Show threadTony StarkDec 16, 2022
@BillMcGuire Thanks so much. Very happy to hear you made it through that. You, too.