In 2020, South Dakota distinguished itself from all other states by resisting oppressive COVID-19 mandates, from lockdowns to masks. This posture, harshly criticized by public health bureaucrats, has been vindicated. South Dakota chose the correct path, and it earned the admiration of freedom-loving Americans across the U.S. Thousands of them flocked here to find a better life.
That was then, this is now. In late 2021, we face the most brutal, intrusive, and anti-science COVID-19 mandate yet conceived: forced injections. South Dakota’s response has been tepid (more on that below). Meanwhile, other states are taking bold actions to fight vaccine mandates, whether they emanate from government agencies or corporate entities.
TEXAS: Earlier this month, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order stating that “No entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine by any individual, including an employee or a consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19.”
WYOMING: The legislature for neighboring Wyoming will meet in a special session next week to consider about 20 bills that have been filed on the issue of vaccine mandates.
FLORIDA: Governor Ron DeSantis will convene the Legislature in special session to consider legislation to protect Florida citizens from vaccine mandates. Unlike so many other politicians, Governor DeSantis grasps the heart of this issue: a violation of fundamental human rights is intolerable, regardless of whether the perpetrator is big government or big business. DeSantis said: “I want a state in which people are able to maintain their livelihoods… and if the federal government or big corporations are hurting people, then we have a responsibility to step up and lead.” [emphasis added]
WEST VIRGINIA: The Legislature earlier this week passed legislation that creates broad exemptions from vaccine mandates imposed by private sector entities. Employees will be exempted from forced injections for religious and medical reasons, including if they have natural immunity due to a prior COVID-19 infection.
ARKANSAS: The Legislature in early October passed legislation requiring private sector employers that impose vaccine mandates to allow employees an exemption, based on natural immunity to COVID-19 from a previous infection, or providing negative test results for COVID-19 infection.
MONTANA: Another neighbor of South Dakota was among the first to act decisively against mandatory injections. In May, Governor Greg Gianforte signed HB 702 into law, a sweeping measure that prohibits any person or government entity from denying goods, services, or employment opportunities based on whether an individual has been vaccinated.
Meanwhile, in South Dakota, the response has been disappointing. Back in April, Governor Noem issued an executive order to ban state agencies from implementing “vaccine passports.” That’s helpful, so far as it goes. But it does NOTHING to protect thousands of employees who work for businesses that are forcing them to get injected, or be fired.
Among the larger employers imposing mandates are Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Monument Health. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who do not comply with mandatory injection policies will face termination before the end of the year.
Remember when we celebrated South Dakota’s health care workers as “heroes” in 2020? Long before there were any vaccines, they showed up to work and did their jobs. They were at high risk, and an untold number of them DID come down with COVID-19 and recovered. Now they have acquired hard-won natural immunity that is superior to the fast-eroding immunity provided by the injections currently available.
No matter. If they refuse to get jabbed, they’ll be fired. That’s how we say “thank you” to the heroes of 2020 – by destroying their careers and throwing them on the unemployment line. Are legislators listening? Are they aware of the pain and suffering being experienced by these workers and their families?
Here’s the bottom line: your voice needs to be heard in Pierre. The Legislature will be meeting in November for special session, and it’s critical that they take up legislation to protect South Dakotans from the tyranny of forced injections.
Contact your legislators here — and urge them to protect the rights of South Dakotans to make their own medical decisions, free of coercion. Ask them to add this crucial issue to the upcoming special session in November.
Photo by Klobetime via Creative Commons. Image cropped.