Trump’s White House taking the vaccine tomorrow is a symbol of a larger problem.
I’m beginning to hear of privileged people who are like jumping. 1/
Hearing that companies involved in distribution are carving out small caches for their executives.
Not people who are CDC recommended. But people with bank.
This is deeply immoral and fitting with some of the worst traits of our country.
I’m going to put this out there.
-People are dying
-People are risking their lives to try to save others
-People have to work every day & face the public are dying fastest
Privileged people already have a vaccine: it’s called their house & the Internet & masks.
What to do:
—journalists...need to be asking executives in the supply chain who is taking the vaccine & writing about it
—political leaders...publicly say you will take it if you like— when it’s your turn
—Congress...provide oversight and monitor
—community leaders— be vocal & visible if you’re community is getting left behind
—states & pharmacies must hold to the letter of the law
—we are talking months for production to ramp, not years. Let’s hang on
P.S. from here, if anyone asks me if I know a way they might be able to get the vaccine early, I might post it on Twitter.
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Today is a day filled with so many important reminders. 1/
First— on the vaccine. Today is not the day of triumph. It is not the day of victory over COVID. But today is the day when we showed up to the fight. 2/
Today is the day our troops landed on the beaches. And like Normandy, many many didn’t make it. They gave themselves not willingly but because the country proved defenseless. 3/
COVID Update December 9: 6 weeks ago we kicked off an effort to listen to the people on the front lines, essential workers & experts to paint an image of what needs to change.
Today, the first product, a set of recommendations to @transition46 Biden-Harris transition team.1/
This effort was carried out by @USofCare, the non-profit I founded 2 1/2 years ago & chair. This work is intended as a 1st step so we do not forget the lessons of the moment— even as we live through it.
And to give the Biden Administration & Congress specific recommendations.2/
It is essential that we capture more & more voices not heard before. Voices included a public survey, nurses, doctors, epidemiologists, HIV experts, disability advocates, mental health leaders & former state health officials & governors. 3/
COVID Update December 7: The first tranche of Joe Biden’s health team was announced today.
The picks have been roundly cheered by everyone in health care. They send several key messages. 1/
The Department of HHS is housed in a building named for a Minnesotan & former VP, Hubert Humphrey— a man who believed the true character of the country was how we cared for the old, the poor & the sick. 2/
But for the last 4 years, HHS has meant health for only a few & forgetting our humanity to all. 3/
COVID Update December 6: I understand how hard it is to want to believe in an unpleasant reality.
I really do. 1/
Sometimes I will stare out my window and think to myself “I wish I wish I wish there was no Coronavirus.”
Then I will go outside, put on a mask & stay away from others so I don’t get sick or infect others.
But the fantasy was nice for those few minutes. 2/
When I was a kid, I used to imagine I was a Major League Baseball player, hitting the ball over the fence with the bases loaded & a roaring crowd to win the game.
But then I would hit the ball off the tee & slide with style into first base. 3/