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The year-defining pandemic has killed over 300 thousand Americans, unemployed millions more, and upended daily life in the United States.
Exacerbating the toll of the highly contagious virus has been a sea of disinformation from primarily Republican heavy-hitters, including President Donald Trump. This disinformation includes false claims that masks don't help slow the spread of the virus and that government shutdowns are being implemented to maintain control over everyday Americans.
To the relief of millions, the first doses of long-awaited vaccines are being administered in the United States, mostly to frontline health workers, the elderly, and lawmakers in Congress to ensure continuity of government.
Though it will be months before a majority of Americans have received the vaccine, the development promises the beginning of the end of its hold on the public.
But while the vaccines—developed by pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna—may foretell the erasure of the virus in the U.S., the disinformation that exacerbated it doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon.
Recent comments from Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) on the conservative Fox News network only confirmed that.
Watch below.
Despite approval from the FDA, CDC, and other government officials, Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) says he refuses to take the vaccine:
“I'm an American, I have the freedom to decide …" pic.twitter.com/9mrbtJpQIz
— The Recount (@therecount) December 18, 2020
When asked about plans to take the vaccine, Buck said:
"I will not be taking the vaccine...I'm an American. I have the freedom to decide if I'm going to take a vaccine or not and in this case I am not going to take the vaccine. ... I'm more concerned about the safety of the vaccine than I am the side effects of the disease."
Though both vaccines were developed and distributed in record time, the work informing them wasn't haphazard. Both Pfizer and Moderna tested the vaccine on sample groups of thousands before submitting data to the Data Safety and Monitoring Boards (DSMB) and getting approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
To encourage members of the public to take the vaccine when it becomes available, leaders on both sides of the aisle—such as Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)—have publicly taken the vaccine to quell fears that it's unsafe.
Buck's speculation on its safety was criticized for its potential to foment disinformation.
Another Republican thinking only of himself. Wouldn't think of doing it to help other Americans. Despicable traitor. #GOPComplicitTraitors https://t.co/ybiOdEVhii
— Peter C. (not PJ) Schnorr (@SchnorrPeter) December 19, 2020
Buck is a schmuck. https://t.co/R8m2Je5hcq
— Richard Bellikoff (@RBellikoff) December 18, 2020
Who are these people? How can anyone vote for them? Why are so many Republicans so incredibly stupid and evil? #PutinsPuppet #GOPSeditiousTraitors #COVIDIOTS https://t.co/DJz1j6cNKZ
— iseecalm (@iseecalm) December 19, 2020
Don't worry folks, Cory Gardner might be leaving but Ken Buck will still be there to ensure that Colorado's congressional delegation has at least one dopey idiot from Weld County. https://t.co/CsnIPWIrZK
— Another Nick (@303toNYC) December 18, 2020
Another Right wing jerk! He is a healthy person & obviously doesn't care about his lover ones! There he is in the capital hallway with out a mask! These are stupid people! https://t.co/cBWfGFpAZZ
— JOLO (@jolo1954) December 18, 2020
There is nothing “American" by refusing to get vaccines to protect yourself (and others).
But you do have a choice - you just have to accept the consequences of that choice. https://t.co/LXqIOeMAlG
— Tyler Hamilton (@TylerRevolution) December 19, 2020
Some used Buck's logic to poke holes in Republican stances on reproductive freedom.
So.... he's pro-choice then? https://t.co/AGL0ekA3JL
— Thomas Taylo (@ttayloGA) December 19, 2020
He meant to say “I'm American MALE, I have the freedom to decide... now if I was a woman it would be like my womb and I would expect the fine members of the Republican Party to make that decision for me" @ProjectLincoln https://t.co/Sa0Jg4Moxw
— Doug (@macreed326) December 19, 2020
Unless it's an abortion? https://t.co/FBuCYJhiak
— jawa jab (@Jabercoo) December 18, 2020
Buck attempted to backtrack on his Twitter account, saying that members of Congress shouldn't be able to skip the line for the vaccine—contradicting his claim on Fox News about safety concerns regarding it.
I celebrate the fact that the private sector has stepped in to create a lifesaving vaccine for COVID-19. This is an incredible feat that should be applauded. Like the polio vaccine, this vaccine will save lives.
— Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) December 18, 2020
I encourage frontline workers, healthcare professionals, and at-risk populations to get the vaccine. We need to prioritize these populations and make sure the most vulnerable get the vaccine first.
— Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) December 18, 2020
Members of Congress should not get special treatment. It's not right for us to skip the line and receive the vaccine before at-risk populations and healthcare workers.
— Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) December 18, 2020
An ABC News-Ipsos poll last week found that Republicans were four times more likely not to take the vaccine. Hopefully Republican lawmakers will work against this fear—unlike Buck.