Since the start of this pandemic, there has been an infiltration of misinformation and conspiracy theories as it relates to the novel coronavirus. Additionally, mitigation efforts set forth by public health officials have been politicized to the country's detriment. Currently, we are facing a pandemic of the unvaccinated. In this episode, I explain how the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work and why we all have a personal responsibility to do what is necessary so that this pandemic can end. Lastly, I discuss the "my body, my choice" mantra and how that doesn't apply when trying to end a public health crisis. 

Sources:
Understanding the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines
The Limits of "My Body, MY Choice" 
Are the COVID Shots Working? 

On January 6, 2021, Americans witnessed a violent insurrection on our nation's Capitol; which was incited by the former President. While the wheels of justice have been extremely slow with regards to holding those responsible for this attack, with the new select congressional investigation, it is anticipated we will get a clearer picture of how exactly an event like this transpired. 

Since the events of January 6th, we have also seen an uptick in the decrying of "cancel culture," yet conservatives never have any qualms canceling others who they feel do not behave according to their guidelines. The most recent example of this was the expulsion of Liz Cheney from Republican House Leadership for having the unmitigated gall of putting country before party. Cancel culture for me, but not for thee is the current GOP mantra.

Sources:

• Capitol Riot: This Is What We Know 6 Months Later
• Day of Rage: An In-Depth Look at How a Mob Stormed the Capitol
• When Republicans Attack 'Cancel Culture,' What Does It Mean?
• Americans and ‘Cancel Culture’: Where Some See Calls for Accountability, Others See Censorship, Punishment

Since November 2020, the Republicans have been amplifying "The Big Lie," in which they have made unfounded claims of mass voter fraud. They have been using this as the foundational reasoning and necessity to pass more restrictive voting laws that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities. This is not a coincidence. In fact, the GOP has historically sought to stifle the votes of Black and Brown voters since this ensures we will have democracy that is representative of ALL rather than just a few. Thus, it is our obligation to ensure this current Democratic majority Senate does everything humanly possible to pass The For the People Act and the John Lewis Act.

Sources:
History of The Voting Rights Act of 1965
Republican Voter Suppression Efforts Aimed at Minorities
"Bloody Sunday" and the Turning Point of the Civil Rights Movement
John Roberts Decades-long Crusade Against the Voting Rights Act of 1965