Smokers First?

New Jersey’s Governor has decided to open up vaccinations to more citizens in the state. Most first responders and frontline workers have received the first round of vaccinations. Those over 65 and those at high risk between 16 and 64, including smokers, are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Really?

For months, we have heard pundits from both sides of the aisle pontificate about how important it is to open schools so mom and dad can go back to work hand our children can learn and grow. Governor Murphy based his educational policy on keeping our schools and their students and staff safe over the last ten months. Many schools in New Jersey are struggling to stay open because of the spread of COVD-19. Many school professionals are wary of contracting the disease by working and being near those who may have it, whether they show symptoms or are asymptomatic. Schools have struggled with online and hybrid learning because many students do not have the technology needed to learn from home. Yet, the governor prioritizes those who have developed an unhealthy habit that not only jeopardizes the smokers themselves but endangers those around them who breathe in the exhaust from their smoking activities. 

Throughout the whole pandemic, Governor Murphy has been a steady leader who, for the most part, made sound decisions. Prioritizing smokers, as opposed to teachers, when teachers are an essential key to opening up the economy in New Jersey, is baffling on many fronts. 

• Do smokers contribute more to the economy than freeing up Mom and Dad to go back to work?
• Is protecting smokers more important than educating our children? 
  • What a message this sends to our school-aged children
• Will protecting smokers over teachers solve the issue we have due to the inequity in technology access our students have across the state?
• Is the governor receiving more lobbying “support” from Big Tobacco than he is from the NJEA?
• Does the governor think that this decision will help him win re-election next year?

A governor needs to protect all his or her’s citizens. In emergency cases, you have to prioritize which group gets saved first, and thus are more important. Governor Murphy has spoken loudly. His actions speak louder than his words.

Just Be Better

Be Healthy, Be Strong.