MSNBC host Joy Reid is accusing Republicans of participating in an effort that will ensure that COVID-19 is “here to stay” by trying to ban vaccine and mask mandates.
On Wednesday, Reid suggested there is a “renewed effort by the American right to make sure Covid is here to stay.”
“First they came for the schools, now it’s the businesses, an astonishing 180 for the party that once claimed it stood for limited government, free enterprise, and protecting corporate America from burdensome regulation,” she said.
She continued, “These days the once Grand Old Party stands for nothing other than the quest for absolute power which they intend to achieve by embracing a foaming at the mouth brand of conservatism that includes worshipping the disgraced former president, dismantling democracy, and forcing businesses — forcing them — to operate on their terms.”
The host also claimed that Republicans are “empowering anti-vaxxers and anti-maskers” to “mob up and scream at, spit on, and attack workers who have to mask-up to work.”
Watch the video below:
.@JoyAnnReid leads #TheReidOut tonight with the apparent renewed effort by many on the American right to make sure #COVID19 is here to stay. #reiders pic.twitter.com/7pCKM2ACk0
— The ReidOut (@thereidout) October 13, 2021
Reid then turned her attention to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who recently issued an executive order banning the implementation of vaccine mandates and “his Covid loving side-kick” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) decision to fine a county for implementing a vaccine mandate.
She continued:
“Because Covid must be let in, otherwise how would one market his top donor’s remedy at fancy pop-up clinics? Florida’s Leon County is now facing a $3.5 million fine for requiring proof of vaccination as Baby MAGA is also exploring options to legally block vaccine-related terminations in the private sector. If leadership could kill, oh wait it can.”
Finally, the host noted that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) tweeted, “Ohio should ban all vaccine mandates.”
“A move that would allow polio, measles, and hepatitis to flourish in our schools because why not,” Reid added.
Abbott argued that while the vaccine is “our best defense against the virus,” it should “remain voluntary and never forced.” His order banning vaccine mandates also includes private businesses.
Meanwhile, DeSantis said it was “unacceptable that Leon County violated Florida law, infringed on current and former employees’ medical privacy, and fired loyal public servants because of their personal health decisions.”
“We will continue fighting for Floridians’ rights and the Florida Department of Health will continue to enforce the law. We’re going to stand up for Floridians’ jobs, stand up for Floridians’ livelihoods, and stand up for freedom,” he added.
