TN Politics: Putting the Squeeze on the Unvaccinated

WKNO | By Christopher Blank

Published August 27, 2021 at 12:16 PM CDT

Several social media ads distributed by the Tennessee Department of Health feature young people who appear to have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Several Republican lawmakers want the department to take them down.

Political analyst Otis Sanford says the mixed messaging from Republican leaders such as Gov. Bill Lee, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Leader Randy McNally show the confusion and lack of leadership in an administration that has made mask wearing a political statement, rather than a public health issue.

Sanford says the next step for Shelby County to get more citizens vaccinated is for businesses to issue vaccine mandates, and other places to be sure customers and patrons are vaccinated.

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Christopher Blank

A native "Florida Man," Christopher started in this business as a copy clerk at the renowned St. Petersburg Times before persuading editors to let him write. He moved to Memphis in 2001 to cover arts and entertainment at the Commercial Appeal. Since then, he has contributed to nearly every publication in Shelby County, writing features on everything from the Civil War to Civil Rights. Also, Elvis... a lot of Elvis.

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