Thread by @AliVelshi

1/15
We are now at a new stage of the Pandemic. One that I really didn't think we’d reach in America. It’s not the variants that surprise me; that's to be expected. It’s the resistance to the free, life-saving vaccine. #velshi

2/15
Right now, just over 50% of Americans are fully vaccinated. Unlike in most of the world, we have no remaining issues with people not being able to get the vaccine like we did in the beginning of the year. #velshi

3/15
Anyone in America who remains unvaccinated is so by choice.That’s a problem. It’s not a difference of opinion thing. It’s a public health emergency thing, and it’s needs to end. #velshi

4/15
Scientists, doctors, frontline workers, community activists, federal & state officials have all campaigned for the vaccine. It’s time for America’s businesses to step in. And many of them already have. #velshi

5/15
Businesses are in a unique position: They can mandate masks and vaccinations in a way that the federal government has been hesitant to do. They can hold unvaccinated people responsible in ways the government can’t. #velshi

6/15
Businesses have both a carrot AND a stick. Companies ranging from Morgan Stanley to Microsoft are insisting that employees to get vaccinated before they return to office. Some restaurant owners are requiring proof of vaccination to dine at their establishments. #velshi

7/15
Major gyms like Equinox and SoulCycle will start mandating vaccine proof in September. Businesses across this country are saying: “If you want to come into my store, eat at my restaurant, sit in my theater, you have to be vaccinated.” #velshi

8/15
Every day more businesses are realizing that they may hold the key to ending this pandemic in America. Now, before anyone starts getting all constitution on me, note that I’m VERY I'm big on the First Amendment, and this isn't that. #velshi

9/15
This isn’t the same discussion about a baker refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding. You still have your right to your religion and your speech, you just can't work at or patronize some businesses - a lot of businesses - soon, if you don't get a jab or two. #velshi

10/15
This is about a live deadly virus that unvaccinated people can spread to those of us who chose to do the right thing, and to children too young to get the vaccines. Workers who choose to remain unvaccinated threaten the health and livelihood of others. #velshi

11/15
The constitution does NOT give you the right to threaten the safety of others. I travelled this country throughout the pandemic, and spoke to people about their concerns about the vaccines. #velshi

12/15
I favor real and ongoing discussions with people so that they understand how to balance the risks of the cure against the risk of the disease. #velshi

13/15
Some vaccine hesitant people are willing to have that discussion. But others- the anti-vaxxers, have fallen prey to conspiracy theories, right wing media and Facebook nonsense. #velshi

14/15
The time to accommodate unreasonable, conspiracy theorists and anti-science anti-vaxxers has passed. At this point, America may not be able to get back to business without help from America’s business. #velshi

15/15
So I'll be showing my support - and spending my money - with businesses, large and small, that take a stand to make sure America gets vaccinated. #velshi