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* Politico…
Republican state legislators have written to Chicago Cubs and White Sox officials, calling on them to reconsider efforts to separate vaccinated fans from those who aren’t. They’re concerned that separate seating “could stigmatize unvaccinated Illinoisans.”
“We strongly feel that Covid vaccines are a personal medical choice and those that do not receive it should not be excluded or stigmatized… Vaccine passports or solicitation of proof of vaccination should not be a requirement for Illinoisans to enjoy America’s pastime,” according to letters sent to Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and White Sox President for Baseball Operations Kenny Williams. (They’re the execs concerned about the game on the field, not the butts in seats, but we get the point.)
The letters were signed by GOP Reps. Andrew Chesney, Dan Caulkins, Brad Halbrook, Tony McCombie, Chris Miller, Adam Niemerg, Joe Sosnowski, and Blaine Wilhour.
Spokesmen for the teams say it’s an unnecessary dustup since the special sections end later this month when the capacity level of the stadiums go up from 25 percent to 60 percent, as dictated by the city and state.
* Here’s the letter, which is downright hilarious…
Upon news that the Chicago White Sox will be requiring vaccination credentials to attend certain fan sections of ballgames at Guaranteed Rate Field, we ask for your thoughtful reconsideration of proposals which could stigmatize unvaccinated Illinoisans.
We strongly feel that COVID vaccines are a personal medical choice and those that do not receive it should not be excluded or stigmatized. If you agree, we ask for your intercession with this policy at Guaranteed Rate Field. Vaccine passports or solicitation of proof of vaccination should not be a requirement for Illinoisans to enjoy America’s pastime. Segregation of patrons unwilling or unable to show proof of vaccination would not only be an infringement on the liberties and freedom of Illinoisans, but also a violation of individual medical privacy.
Operation Warp Speed, under President Donald J. Trump, allowed the development of COVID vaccines at a rate we have never seen in world history. These remarkable medical breakthroughs are helping allow Americans to get back to work and are protecting those who are medically able and willing to receive the vaccine. What we cannot permit, though, is disparate treatment of our constituents based on medical treatments. We are deeply troubled by potential stigmatizing of Illinoisans based on medical status. The CDC has not yet advised that all age groups and medical conditions are eligible for COVID vaccination, and as such, many Illinoisans are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.
Kids should focus on remembering to bring their gloves to ballgames, not be worried about bringing vaccination credentials. We understand people are frustrated with the private-sector-shutdowns imposed by the Pritzker and Lightfoot Administrations and are doing everything they can, as residents and businessowners, to take steps toward a return to “normalcy;” however, that return should not be predicated on exclusion of individuals based on vaccination status.
Respectfully, we request you review and intercede in these policies which we feel are discriminatory and exclusionary.
It sounds like they want to make the unvaxed a protected class.
* Just FYI…
HHS says protected health information under HIPAA includes information that relates to a person’s past, present or future physical or mental health or condition. HHS has a list of what information is protected on its website.
While HIPAA rules apply to covered entities and specific business associates, the rules don’t extend to most businesses, according to Glenn Cohen, a professor at Harvard Law School.
“Because the average business is not a covered entity or a business associate of a covered entity within the meaning of HIPAA, the statute does not prohibit them asking them about vaccination status,” Cohen said in an email to the VERIFY team.
Kayte Spector-Bagdady, a lawyer and bioethicist who is also the associate director at the University of Michigan’s Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, said there is sometimes a misunderstanding of what HIPAA does.
“People often feel like HIPAA protects them from being asked about their medical information, or prohibits other people from asking about their medical information,” Spector-Bagdady said. “Neither is true. HIPAA prohibits health professionals, such as your doctor, from sharing your identified health information without your permission in most circumstances. People can always ask about your health information, and you can almost always decline to answer. But not answering health questions might come at a cost – such as not being able to enter your workplace or board a plane.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 9:58 am
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Identity politics. Lol.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:00 am
How many of those legislators are actually Cardinals fans?
Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:01 am
Long way to travel from their districts to attend a game at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:01 am
LOL
The unvaxxed Covidiots who are so worried about being openly mocked and “stigmatized” by not giving them “freedom” are arguably the biggest bunch of whiny snowflakes created in the Trump era.
“My body, my choice” … but please don’t hate on us for not helping eradicate a global threatening virus…
They are truly an embarrassing lot.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:04 am
I am worried about being stigmatized because I have to show proof of having a ticket to attend the game. /s
Comment by Pius Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:07 am
Usually folks who live in EasternBlocHead zones are scared of big cities —- too many lites, one way streets, etc.— so do we really think any of them might go to a game? Or better PAY for tickets?
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:09 am
Snowflakes. Worried about being “stigmatized” for not being vaccinated while simultaneously ridiculing people for wearing a mask.
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:09 am
I say stigmatize the covidiots. If they’re too foolish to get vaccinated and feel no shame at endangering other people, they should be stigmatized.
Comment by Manchester Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:11 am
Who would have known that these unvaxed freedom fighters were so fragile. It’s important to know that a large population of our population has been vaccinated. It will give all of us the comfort and peace of mind to resume our normal activities. And that will grow our economy. I’m starting to wonder if the Eastern Bloc doesn’t care about the economy. That would be sad after all of the work that went into Operation Warp Speed. Sounds like somebody isn’t appreciative of all the efforts in bringing forward the best vaccine the world has seen.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:13 am
=== “People often feel like HIPAA protects them from being asked about their medical information, or prohibits other people from asking about their medical information,” Spector-Bagdady said. “Neither is true. HIPAA prohibits health professionals, such as your doctor, from sharing your identified health information without your permission in most circumstances. People can always ask about your health information, and you can almost always decline to answer. But not answering health questions might come at a cost – such as not being able to enter your workplace or board a plane.” ===
This needs to be the part of a PSA or something.
Comment by Cluster Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:14 am
===Who would have known that these unvaxed freedom fighters were so fragile===
Also, aren’t they supposed to be boycotting MLB?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:14 am
Why are they so worried about what out-of-state venues are doing?
The letters were signed by GOP Reps. Andrew Chesney, Dan Caulkins, Brad Halbrook, Tony McCombie, Chris Miller, Adam Niemerg, Joe Sosnowski, and Blaine Wilhour.
Comment by Massive Slog Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:15 am
=== Worried about being “stigmatized” for not being vaccinated while simultaneously ridiculing people for wearing a mask.===
I had this same discussion this weekend, family member, ironically not a Trumpkin but has “real issues” with the virus and its handling.
On one hand wasn’t wearing a mask often (haven’t seen family member since before covid, as reference) and mocked its wearing, can’t understand why a) people are getting vaccinated and b) why should the family member feel “stigmatized” and can’t have the “freedom” to be anti-vaxx… “they (whoever “they” are) are singling me out for my choice”
Just wow.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:17 am
As I understand it, those who are vaccinated do not count against the capacity limits imposed on the teams by local rules. So as private, for-profit enterprises, allowing fans with proof of vaccination just makes good business sense. What objections do these Eastern Bloc folks have with basic capitalism? Are anti-vaxxers a protected minority?
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:17 am
Why do they want to go to a place they want removed from the “real Illinois”. For being such tough guys they sure do get their little feelings hurt over a lot.
Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:18 am
Their letter goes from “People shouldn’t be forced to have vaccines” to “Thank you President Trump for these vaccines” to “think of the children!”
Really have the pulse on the Illinois electorate, don’t they…
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:19 am
Nice gratuitous plug of (former) President Donald J. Trump in the letter.
Maybe the eastern blockheads should try to entice a professional sports team to move to their neck of the woods where they wont be hindered with such liberal nonsense as public health.
Comment by Henry Francis Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:20 am
They cite “COVID vaccines” in the letter, what about other vaccines? Would love to see a letter from them about the others. Maybe all sporting venues should have a anti-vaxxer section, sounds like a great idea.
Comment by Gus Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:20 am
I don’t believe any of these people would willingly step foot in Chicago or St Louis.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:22 am
Hey Cubs and Sox, how about a compromise? Will you accept proof of recent Hydroxychloroquine, intravenous Clorox, or subdermal UV light treatments?
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:23 am
This is my favorite… LOL
===Operation Warp Speed, under President Donald J. Trump, allowed the development of COVID vaccines at a rate we have never seen in world history.===
The cult leader is celebrated for creating the vaccine, the cult leader took the vaccine (in private), the cult followers *won’t take* the vaccine…
Of course with that ridiculous, illogical thinking you’ll get mocked, openly.
It’s like the comedy gold of being played by a con man *must* continue to “own the libs”.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:24 am
Republicans always argue businesses should be able to discriminate against gay people (something that isn’t a choice) so I find it interesting they don’t think businesses should be allowed to discriminate against people who refuse to protect other people’s health by getting vaccinated (something that is a choice).
Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:26 am
Just so I am clear, this is the same group constantly complaining that Chicago writes laws for the rest of the state without taking into consideration how the locals want to run things.
Same group, right?
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:26 am
Guess their heads will truly become un-stuck when they find out how many employers and public schools will soon require them.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:29 am
Point and Laugh at them. They want to have their cake and eat it too.
They don’t want to wear masks? Get the vaccine. They don’t want the vaccine? Wear a mask.
You want this pandemic to end? Take actual steps to stop it rather than complain from the sidelines.
Comment by ChrisB Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:29 am
“We strongly feel that Covid vaccines are a personal medical choice”
Well well well, look who’s getting all caught up in their feelings. It would be funny to me if these same people hadn’t spent the last 14 months trying to kill me and my family with their deliberate stupidity.
My kid isn’t vaxxed yet so for now I’m playing it safe. When she is vaxxed I’m still planning to avoid gathering places where unvaccinated are allowed to gather unchecked, not because I’m afraid of covid post-vax but because I don’t want to spend any more of my limited time on earth in the presence of idiots. Businesses can decide whose money they want to target, and if yours isn’t the pocket they want to reach into you’re free to cry about it.
Comment by Larry Bowa Jr. Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:29 am
They always make themselves the victims. ALWAYS. See Trump playing victim from day 1 of his admin despite having Republican majorities in the House, Senate and Supreme Court.
Comment by Chicago Blue Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:30 am
Check out Sosnowski and McCombie, who COULD be voices of relative moderation in the HGOP caucus, casting their lot with these Eastern Bloc dead-enders. Sad . . .
Comment by charles in charge Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:33 am
I like to smoke cigarettes when I watch baseball games. If the second hand smoke is carcinogenic that’s not my problem. Because you know it’s only about me! And I’m tired of being stigmatized! / S
Comment by Drake Mallard Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:33 am
==Guess their heads will truly become un-stuck when they find out how many employers and public schools will soon require them.==
I would be curious to find out the percentages of state agencies employees that have been vaccinated. And if budget cuts are required, maybe agencies with the lowest vaccination percentages could be targeted for deeper cuts, layoffs, etc.
Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:34 am
The fact that this was presented without irony by the same people who insist that a photo ID should be required to vote is outstanding.
The ability to do this needs it’s medical term for diagnosis.
Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:39 am
Sometimes in life there are consequences to our lifestyle choices. They think others should be held accountable for poor choices they make in life but not themselves. Refusing to be vaccinated during the worst pandemic in a century is a poor decision.
Comment by The Dude Abides Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:50 am
===We strongly feel that Covid vaccines are a personal medical choice
It’s not about your feelings.
And vaccines have never been personal medical choices anytime since Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine. They are a public health tool to reduce transmission of communicable diseases. You know, ones you catch from others.
Once emergency use authorization is over meaning the vaccines are fully authorized many institutions are going to require them as they should–colleges are starting to even under EUA. And colleges have required several vaccinations for years–anyone who would send their kid to live in a dorm without a meningitis vaccine is deficient as a parent.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 10:54 am
I have learned about so many rights we have throughout this pandemic. Now I can add the right to see a baseball game to the list.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:04 am
Oh my gawd. Are they for freaking real?
===Operation Warp Speed, under President Donald J. Trump, allowed the development of COVID vaccines at a rate we have never seen in world history.===
And then he totally flubbed the distribution. From November 3 he was focused solely on overturning the election. Or overthrowing the government, whichever came first.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:04 am
By the way, I’m convinced that these little inconveniences are going to be what get the holdouts to get vaccinated. They’ll complain about a state mandate, but having private businesses require something to enter the premises will be death by 1000 cuts.
Want to fly? Mask or Vax. Attend a concert or sporting event? Mask or vax. Taxi or Rideshare? Mask or Vax.
You’re never going to convince these guys, but for the rest of the world, if you want to return to normal, get the GD vax.
Comment by ChrisB Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:09 am
So dumb, if you want to make the choice to not get the shot, so be it but don’t whine to me that the rest of us are moving on. With the exception of those who have a legitimate Medical reason they can’t take the shot (We have a friend that’s allergic to ingredients in Pfizer and Moderna and had to wait for the J & J) it’s your choice live with it. I’ll be over on the Maskless side enjoying a beer and brat.
Comment by Mason born Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:15 am
Welp, the Eastern Bloc really owned my funny bone today. I spit out my coffee laughing. These guys ought to write for The Simpsons.
Just wait til vaccines become necessary for many things, or simply get rolled into the annual flu shot. I can hear heads exploding already.
Comment by Jibba Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:21 am
Maybe they are right, this separation thing seems weird and impractical.
A better solution would be to prohibit people who are not vaccinated.
Comment by Siriously Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:25 am
Maybe we should separate Eastern Blockers from normal people. Separate seating, etc.
Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:28 am
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect. There is nothing more or else to it, and there never has been, in any place or time.”
https://crookedtimber.org/2018/03/21/liberals-against-progressives/#comment-729288
Comment by LivinInAGlassHouse Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:40 am
A response to another story on this reminded me of a great retort to a similar nonsensical letter to a sports team. I suggest the Cubs and Sox respond the same way.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/cleveland-browns-letters/
Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:54 am
The whole thing would be moot if Chicago was it’s own state.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 11:56 am
These guys are really something. Did they send a letter to the Cardinals as well? These teams should toss this letter directly into the shredder. Better yet, if any of these guys ever host a shred event with taxpayer money, that would be a perfect item to bring.
Comment by SuburbanRepublican Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:32 pm
This is so hard to follow: Private business owners can refuse to bake cakes for gay couples. But they can’t offer preferred seating to people who have responsibly vaccinated themselves; while still allowing the irresponsibly unvaccinated admission? The Naked Twister game of Eastern Bloc hypocrisy makes my joints sore.
Comment by Strategy Geek Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:34 pm
The science says that only the un-vaccinated will need hospital treatment for Covid. The science also says Covid can only be spread among the un-vaccinated.The un-vaccinated are society’s new pariahs and should be treated as such. Lepers were banned to their own colonies. Will that happen to the un-vaccinated?
Comment by Edith Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:39 pm
====My body, my choice=== Oh, Wait! I forgot, I’m right to life. I want to have the choice for my body, but I do not want a woman to have a choice to her body. If I do not want to be vaccinated, I must be against my own right to life. OOF
Comment by Downstate Dem Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:42 pm
===Lepers were banned to their own colonies. Will that happen===
No. Stop being goofy or leave.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:53 pm
Breaking News: People who are disappointed with Illinois are free to move to another state if they choose.
Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:54 pm
Do you honestly believe every conservative feels the way you paint all conservatives?
Comment by bball_coach Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 12:57 pm
=== Do you honestly believe every conservative feels the way you paint all conservatives?===
(Sigh)
Start here. Are you vaccinated, why or why not.
These silly folks, the Eastern Bloc, they are not only worried about a stigma of not getting vaccinated, they wanna own the libs by being anti-vaxx, without worry their feelings will be hurt.
So… yeah… it’s an important question.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 1:01 pm
Science doesn’t care about your feelings, Eastern Blocheads.
Comment by Zim Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 1:03 pm
“I don’t believe any of these people would willingly step foot in Chicago or St Louis.” They don’t want to leave “Illinois.”
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 1:18 pm
For those folks who are immuno compromised, eg cancer patients, and will be both vaxed and masked much of the time, I don’t have much sympathy for your snowflake concerns about being vax shamed. Sorry not sorry.
Comment by G Falkes Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 2:06 pm
Keep it up White Sox. show the people that vaccinations = access.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 2:23 pm
==Covid vaccines are a personal medical choice==
What the GOP reps are saying is that choice should be free of consequences. Private business should give us a pass. Hospitals should perform extraordinary measures should we have serious complications from contracting the virus, and I should bear no responsibility for infecting others with Covid variants.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 2:28 pm
I am vaccinated I also condemned the insurrection on January 6th I also don’t believe any civilian has any reason to own an assault weapon and I am a republican. I think common sense should have a place in this conversation not all conservatives are right wing extremists.
Comment by bball_coach Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 2:31 pm
==What the GOP reps are saying is that choice should be free of consequences. Private business should give us a pass…==
Jeez, Jocko. When you put it that way, where do I sign up?
Comment by Dysfunction Junction Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 2:37 pm
=We are deeply troubled by potential stigmatizing of Illinoisans based on medical status=
Translation: It will be really embarrassing to get a simple vax after spending so much time bloviating against it.
Easy on the Eastern Blochead stereotype stuff. I live on Coles County, grew up in Chicago, have lived all over the country, and chose to retire here because I like affordably living on 2 acres. Virtually every person I know here has gotten a vax. The covidiots are everywhere, some are just louder.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, May 18, 21 @ 2:51 pm