Democratic Engagement
Democratic Engagement #22
Read two news article from a reputable local or state news source on the same subject
October 8, 2021
Name of both articles:
“Biden Leans In Harder on Shots in Vaccine-or-Testing Mandate” by Jennifer Jacobs, Bloomberg
“Biden calls for businesses to instate vaccine mandates ahead of federal requirement” by Shannon Pettypiece and Mike Memoli, NBC News.
Summary of both articles:
President Biden announced last month that companies who have over 100 employees must require proof of vaccination, or a weekly (negative) covid test. Biden believes that if businesses require proof of vaccination then “the pandemic will be over.” Biden also believes that our economy will grow once everyone is vaccinated. Although the vaccine requirement is an emergency rule, the Labor Department has not released any details; however, Biden has asked for companies to start mandating vaccines before the requirement goes into motion. Certain companies have complied with Biden’s wishes, for example, United Airlines Holding INC. This is the first american airline to impose vaccines among their employees. Biden held a meeting with Scott Kirby, the United Chief Executive Officer; in which he said that every airline should mandate their employees to get vaccinated. Kirby also expressed his worries with “unruly airline passengers, some of whom refuse to wear masks while in flight.” Biden calmed him down and told him that he is holding conversations with the Department of Justice about these types of situations. Biden’s approval rates are currently at 38 percent; while 48 percent approve of how he is handling the pandemic, and 50 percent disapprove. This is a decrease from his last poll results back in May, where it was at 68 percent.
Reflection:
October 8, 2021
I am connected personally to this issue because the pandemic has affected my life for the past one year and a half. It has had several effects among society, such as, mask mandates, shutdowns, quarantine, and more. This issue relates to me as a resident of democracy because President Biden has made a tyrannical decision for the country. Part of democracy is letting its citizens make their own decisions, including when it comes to their own health. This affects the millions of residents who are not comfortable getting the COVID-19 shot. Biden should not have any say on people’s health decisions, and I do not believe it is right to threaten, or make people’s jobs hard, because they decide to not get vaccinated.