Some predicted that it was just a matter of time. It has happened in Europe and now vaccine passports are becoming a thing in the good ol' U.S.A. New York City Mayor Democrat Bill de Blasio says the "Key to New York City Pass" will debut this month and will be required by the middle of next month.

"Key to New York City Pass" sounds like such a wonderful thing. Perhaps had Hitler had a creative consultant, the idea of forcing German citizens to carry papers for presentation upon demand might have seemed so much less Hitler-esque.

"This is a miraculous place, literally filled with wonders. If you're vaccinated, that's gonna open up to you, you can open the door," de Blasio said. "If you are unvaccinated you will not be able to participate in many things." That includes eating, drinking, shopping, working out, and going to the theater, just to name a few.

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De Blasio's vaccine passport program launches on August 16 and will be enforced starting September 13. Where is the urgency? Isn't this supposed to be a reaction to the Delta variant that is dropping people like flies? There could be a lot of dead flies hitting the floor before this baby kicks in.

De Blasio and his left-wing cohorts protest bitterly when citizens are required to present an ID to vote, but I guess it's ok to card someone to make sure they have received a COVID shot. Different agendas are at play.

Don't be surprised if Bill de Blasio's "Key to NYC Pass" catches on in other places. Soon, even SouthCoasters could be asked to show proof that they've been jabbed just to grab a stuffed quahog and coffee milk. Oh good God in heaven, don't let it happen.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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