The subject of “vaccine passports” has been a source of furious debate in recent weeks. In addition to the likelihood that international travelers will be required to show documented evidence that they have been immunized against COVID-19 before being permitted to cross any borders, the use of such “passports” is even being considered as part of our day-to-day lives.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has “given firm backing to the use of COVID passports,” according to the Guardian.
“Johnson, who has faced criticism from his own party over the proposed use of Covid certification in small venues such as pubs and restaurants, has noticeably warmed to the idea in recent weeks. Government sources have suggested the certificates could be used by businesses as a way to relax social distancing measures inside venues. An interim report into the measure is due to be published on Monday,” the Guardian added.
In the United States, New York was the first state to launch its own “vaccine passports.”
“Starting Friday, New Yorkers will be able to pull up a code on their cellphone or a printout to prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus that causes it,” USA Today reported.
“The first-in-the-nation certification, called the Excelsior Pass, will be useful first at large-scale venues like Madison Square Garden, but next week it will be accepted at dozens of event, arts and entertainment venues statewide,” the report continued. “The app, championed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to support the recovery of industries most affected by the pandemic, is funded by the state and available free to businesses and anyone with vaccination records or test results in New York.”
Setting aside the obvious debate regarding societal division and privacy concerns, there is one point which is being missed by many as the idea of “vaccine passports” becomes an unfortunate and inevitable reality: yet again, politicians are avoiding responsibility by making business owners the “face” of COVID-19 restrictions.
As I explained earlier this week during a conversation with Michael Knowles, politicians are experts when it comes to avoiding responsibility. While they fall over themselves when it comes to taking credit for any real or perceived successes — for example, Anthony Fauci claiming that COVID-19 vaccines were “the best decision I’ve ever made” — they are usually nowhere to be seen when it comes to unpopular policies or negative outcomes.
COVID-19 restrictions are no different.
Throughout 2020, the responsibility for enforcing every draconian mandate — whether it be business closures or mask usage — was delegated to the small business owner. They, and not the government, became the “face” of the draconian mandate. They were the ones who had to deal with angry customers — whether justified or not — all while dealing with the stress of trying to keep their business alive.
With vaccine passports, the strategy is exactly the same. The government will effectively attempt to force citizens to be vaccinated if they hope to remain an equal member of society, while making small business owners responsible for bearing the brunt of the backlash from those who disagree.
Through this strategy, it will be the restaurant owner, the shop assistant, or the ticket vender who will be seen as “the bad guy,” all while those responsible — our elected officials — hide in their shadow.
Don’t fall for their game.
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Ian Haworth is an Editor and Writer for The Daily Wire. Follow him on Twitter at @ighaworth.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.