Politicians are famous for speaking out of both sides of their mouths. One day they are against something and the next day they are for it. Too bad there isn’t a vaccine to prevent this. Let me explain:
I was shocked when I heard former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders say last Friday she would not impose vaccine requirements if elected governor of Arkansas in 2022.
Here is what she said: “We will not have mandates on the vaccine, we will not shut down churches and schools and other large gatherings, because we believe in personal freedom and responsibility.” Huckabee Sanders then added, “It’s one of the key cornerstones, frankly, of our country.”
Then, on Saturday, the gubernatorial candidate announced in an op-ed she has been vaccinated against the coronavirus and urged others to do so. “Based on the advice of my doctor, I determined that the benefits of getting vaccinated outweighed any potential risks.” She also indicated the fact that Donald Trump and his family had been vaccinated helped inform her decision.
Imagine if something like this happened in Laguna. One day, Mayor Bob Whalen urges residents to be water-wise or face mandatory cutbacks in consumption. The next day, neighbors call the media because his over-watering is running down the street. Mind you this is pure fiction on my part, but here’s my point: No matter where they live or what their political leanings are, we want leaders to speak clearly and be consistent.
I know this is true here in town. I wonder what voters in Arkansas are thinking now?
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach