It’s been more than a week since I read that Andy “Handgun” Harris opposed the University of Maryland’s decision to require most students to get the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to college this fall. I was gobsmacked by the news. Harris is a doctor. I thought he should know that students getting vaccinated is in everyone’s best interest. It is the best means of preventing an outbreak of infections that could result in the university returning to virtual teaching.
I subsequently learned that Harris does understand that everyone should get vaccinated. He is just against UMD requiring it. He is fully supportive of voluntary vaccinations and even helped administer shots here on the Eastern Shore. He also appeared in a public service announcement intended to persuade those afraid of the vaccine of its safety.
So why would Harris speak out against our premier state university requiring the vaccine? The answer is ideology. Harris doesn’t like the government telling people what to do, even if it’s in their best interest. In the case of the vaccine, Harris’ ideology trumped his knowledge as a doctor. He thinks that if someone doesn’t want to get the vaccine and still attend the University this fall, it’s OK. He’s OK if that student infects other students with the virus. Harris’ “principles” are more important than the health of the unfortunate student.
To be fair to Congressman Harris, here is his statement of the UMD vaccine requirement:
“As a physician, I have administered many COVID-19 vaccines – and I continue to encourage everyone, especially our most vulnerable, to get vaccinated. However, government mandates to require an individual to have an Emergency Use Authorized (EUA) vaccine flaunt the very federal FDA requirement that EUA products be optional, and that informed consent recognizing the unapproved nature of such products be obtained.”
Technically, I suppose, Harris is right, with “optional” being the key word. He is still wrong, however in opposing the vaccine requirement. If his view were to prevail (it won’t), some students could die or spend months in hospitals as a result. That’s what putting ideology over science will get you.
I thought Harris’ rationale for his position sounded disingenuous. That’s a bit unfair, but I doubt Harris is as much of a stickler for technicalities on things like gun laws.
Although Harris statement on the UMD is unlikely to prompt any change in policy, it tells us a lot about how he develops positions on legislation. Ideology first, constituents second. I do not want my representative in Congress to be driven by ideology where it means that common sense and science are ignored. Unfortunately, he is an “ideologue.”
Merriam-Webster defines Ideologue as an “often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology.” The dictionary offers the following synonyms: crusader, fanatic, militant, partisan, and true believer.
How does that fit with the Congressman? Harris’ ideology is best exemplified by his membership in the Freedom Caucus; his ardent support for President Trump, including skipping the second impeachment vote; and declaring that “Trump’s brand of populism is the future of the Republican party.”
Although the “principle” that led him to attempt to carry a handgun onto the Floor of the House of Representatives is hard to understand, that too, apparently, was a gesture of Harris’ ideology—unless, of course, you assume that he worried about Nancy Pelosi or some other Democrat shooting him there.
If all this strikes you as unnecessarily harsh on Andy Harris, you are forgiven. I admire his helping to administer COVID-19 vaccines and speaking out on the safety of the vaccine. That’s not enough to excuse everything else he does. He has a long history of poorly representing the first district.
We deserve better representation. We all need to continue to monitor what “Handgun Harris” is up to in Washington and hold him accountable. He should be representing us, not Donald Trump. He must go.
J.E. Dean of Oxford is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, birds, and occasionally goldendoodles.
Frank Carollo says
At this point, none of us should be surprised when empty-suit Andy takes yet another boneheaded position. He continues to be a Trumpian ideologue in the worst senses of the word, and he does indeed have to go.
David Tull says
Dean you seem to be socialist
John Dean says
I prefer to be called an American.
More seriously, I appreciate your reading the piece even though you appear to disagree with it.
Dick Deerin says
Excellent article, and I agree 100%.
John Dean says
Thanks for reading the piece and for your kind words. Much appreciated.
Michael Davis says
That so many Republcans feel and act the same as Rep. Harris makes me feel for the future of our country. China will clean our clock while Republicans seem only concerned about denying science, denying people the right to vote and worshiping Donald Trump.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Just finished reading Liz Chaney’s piece in a right-leaning paper. The comments we’re just chilling. I have a
hard time wrapping my head around stupidity but these Republicans are seriously taking the prize. “Rino””,
“Socialist”, etc. because she spoke the truth. WTH is wrong with these people? I know, it’s power, it’s FOX and
the other anti-democracy channels, but when did creepy indoctrination become so common? Are people so
pathetic in their lives that they believe lies and hate this nation so much? Jim Jones and Charles Manson come
to mind when I think of this new cult…and they were nothing compared to this creepy former President and his comical
allies in Congress. What a bunch of losers, all of them.
Stephen Schaare says
I felt obligated to comment simply for some balance. No politics for me today.
Please, everyone, can we tighten up the writing just a bit? Your viewpoint may just carry a bit more impact with attention to spelling, structure, and word tense. Look, I am by no means Shakespeare, but I do review my words prior to submission.
Oh, one more thing, try to develop a point when writing. The “stream of consciousness ” babble ended many years ago.
If we all pull together as a team (including myself), we can raise the bar on discourse. I am here.
Deirdre LaMotte says
You don’t say! When 40% of the country has surrender to the capricious rule of Trump, I suppose
my “stream of conscience” is rather a tiny thing to worry about.
Stephen Schaare says
I apologize if you took offense to my comment. I am not a wicked person and harbor no ill intent towards anyone who takes the time and makes the effort to submit a comment.
I am very fond of both “The Spy” and the English language. When I perceive disrespect towards either, my impulsive nature takes over. My bad. Be well, Steve
Darrell Parsons says
Well said. Thank you.
Caroo Voyles says
Our government exists to “promote the general welfare,” as mandated in the first line of our Constitution.
And individual freedoms don’t sabotaging our general welfare, so get on board, Dr. Andy.
David Lloyd says
Mr. Harris probably has opposed requiring drivers licenses in order to be allowed to drive a car. To protect oneself and others isn’t something important to him. He must be anti-government. After all, government is here to do things necessary to protect our lives and safety. Let’s hope folks in Talbot County will send him home next year.
Vincent De Sanctis says
Mr. Dean deftly exposes Andy Harris’s disingenuous argument on Covid. A similar approach was taken when he voted against the motion involving recognition of the Capitol police officer who.died following the January 6 attack.
The Congressman believes ideological purity is more important than actually responding to.the needs of real people.
Bob Parker says
Rep Harris is a physician but it appears that his obligation under the Hippocratic Oath takes a back seat to his fealty to trump and trumpism. Given his argument that he opposes mandatory Covid vaccination by the Univ of Maryland, I wonder if he also opposes the mandatory vaccinations required to attend any public school in the U.S., or those required by the military of all recruits. His argument is crafted to provide cover for his mendacity and cowardness when faced with a choice between self-interest and the interest of others. Way to go Rep Harris, you are a disgrace to the medical profession.