It starts. Conservative commentator Candace Owens was denied a Covid virus test because of her political views. The facility receives federal funds, as do nearly all health care facilities. In normal times, this would assure that all people get access to health care, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, citizenship status, sex, or political views.
But these are not normal times. Receiving federal funds guarantees fairness only if the government is fair. We are already hearing demands that unvaccinated people pay more for health insurance, be denied the right to travel by air, and be denied access to theaters, restaurants, and stores – perhaps even food stores.
Blacks and Latinos have the lowest rates of vaccination. Owens is Black. Vaccine discrimination will hit minorities hardest. One wonders whether this is accidental or deliberate. We got rid of “White Only” restrooms. But was this disgrace to be replaced “Vaccinated Only” food stores and health care, which are even worse?
Freedom isn’t strong. It’s fragile. Let us take care lest we break it. We may not remember how to put it together again.
