The Politicians, Not Your Grandma, Get Vaccinated First [OPINION]

While Grandma sits and rots in a nursing home or senior living facility, unable to have visitors or even dine with her neighbors, members of Congress have been lining up to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Nice to see that we have our priorities in order.

Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation posted pictures and videos to social media of themselves receiving their first doses of the vaccine. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both over 70 years old, were among the first to receive the vaccine. Warren posted to Twitter, "The vaccine is safe, effective, and will save lives." Markey also tweeted that the vaccine is "safe and effective." They must have the same scriptwriters.

Not that long ago, many Democrats criticized the Trump Administration for promising a "safe and effective" vaccine by the end of the year. They accused him of politicizing the virus during an election campaign. Some, including Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, vowed not to take the vaccine if President Trump had anything to do with it.

"Well, I think that's going to be an issue for all of us," Harris told CNN in September. "I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he's talking about."

Last spring, Trump brought together the greatest researchers, labs, and pharmacies under Operation Warp Speed with the simple instructions to develop a vaccine, and fast. They delivered.

As the politicians sneak ahead of Grandma to line up for the vaccine, it would be nice if they gave a little credit to Trump. They won't. And they won't get out of line and give up their spot to Grandma, either, because they are too important and privileged.

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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