From Doug Otto
Columbus
You might say that it’s not my place to tell you what to do to manage your health. I totally agree. But it is the responsibility of all of us to share information that might save our lives and the lives of our families, friends, and colleagues.
Most of us have people that can influence us by their words and actions. They might be religious leaders, elected officials, athletes, entertainers, family, friends, and more. They might be people you know or just know about. On the subject of the COVID vaccine, you might be dug in to your denial, hesitancy, refusal to not get shots. If that is the case, I hope you will consider what some well-known people have said and done. Here are some individuals from all along the conservative-liberal political spectrum. Just maybe you will find someone who will trigger you to consider the other side of the issue.
SEN. MITCH McCONNELL, Senate Minority Leader: “Get vaccinated! These shots need to get into people’s arms as fast as possible, or else we’re gonna be back in a situation this fall like we went through last year.”
THE REV. FRANKLIN GRAHAM, son of late Reverend Billy Graham and head of Samaritan’s Purse: “Vaccine can help save lives and prevent suffering.” “I think Jesus Christ would advocate for people using vaccines and medicines to treat suffering and save lives.”
JOE BIDEN, President of the United States: So, please get vaccinated now. It works. It’s free. And it’s never been easier, and it’s never been more important.
STEVE DOOCY, Fox News: “If you have the chance, get the shot. It will save your life.”
VIVEK MURTHY, U.S. Surgeon General: “The vast majority of people who are getting sick–and more than 99.5 percent of the people who are dying from the virus–are people who are unvaccinated.”
POPE FRANCIS, leader of the worldwide Catholic Church: “It is not an option, it is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others.”
KAY IVEY, Republican Governor of Alabama: “I want folks to get vaccinated. That’s the cure. That prevents everything. It’s time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks”
RON DESANTIS, Republican Governor of Florida, a candidate for the 2024 Republican nominee for president: “These vaccines are saving lives. They are reducing mortality.”
ARNOLD SCHWARZNEGGER, former governor of California, Terminator: “If you’re eligible, join me and sign up to get your vaccine. Come with me if you want to live!”
DOLLY PARTON, iconic singer, humanitarian/philanthropist: She sang a riff on her hit “Jolene,” belting: “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiine / I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate / Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiine / ‘Cause once you’re dead, then that’s a bit too late.”
And one more. DONALD TRUMP, private citizen and former president: “How unpainful that vaccine shot is, so everybody go get your shots.”
Some of these people don’t agree on anything. Yet, see the common theme throughout their comments.
