Podcast mogul Joe Rogan made news again this week for his criticism of vaccine mandates.
Rogan’s remarks: While part of his argument rested on the scientific uncertainty regarding how effective the COVID-19 vaccines are in preventing transmission of mutated variants of the virus, the brunt of his argument seemed to be that vaccine mandates give too much power to the government.
“[W]hen you give people freedom, you let them do whatever the f–k they want to do, they actually find ways to succeed and grow and thrive,” Rogan began. “But as soon as you put the boots to them, as soon as you tell them, ‘You have to do this, or you can’t do that. You have to listen to me’ — now you have a mini dictator.”
“You have one step away from a king,” Rogan continued. “One step closer. You’re moving one step closer to dictatorship. That’s what the f–k is happening.”
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Rogan went on to explain his view that once the government seizes the ability to require vaccinations, they will maintain that power as long as they can.
“As soon as you give politicians power — any kind of power that didn’t exist previously — historically they don’t relinquish that power. They find new reasons to use it,” he said.
The big picture: Rogan’s comments were made in response to recent announcements from government officials regarding plans to mandate vaccinations.
Last Tuesday, for example, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the “Key to NYC Pass” program, which will require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination from patrons and workers wishing to enter particular indoor businesses.
“If you want to participate in our society fully, you’ve got to get vaccinated,” de Blasio said of the program. “It’s time.”
The program is slated to start on August 13, with enforcement beginning September 13.
Worth noting: According to Rogan, people would only want to submit to such restrictions “because they’re dumb.”
Donald Trump, Jr. took notice of Rogan’s rant, re-posting a clip on Twitter with the caption, “Joe Rogan gets it #VaccinePassports.”
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