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I keep seeing headlines declaring we now have two classes of Americans — vaccinated and unvaccinated — and that each class has certain characteristics.

There that apparently asked vaccinated people how they voted, and found that among Republicans, only 45% have had at least one dose of the vaccine, as compared to 86% of Democrats.

There are also surveys that sort out the vaccinated and unvaccinated by race. And this is supposed to tell us something.

But what, exactly?

How do we use this? Do we ask someone how they voted before deciding whether to hug them? What is the point here?

I think the point is to satisfy the internet’s insatiable appetite for stereotypes — to paint a picture of a stereotypical unvaccinated person for the purpose of either pity or ridicule, depending on the audience.

But it helps nothing.

I can think of only one necessary question to ask on the vaccine topic at this point, and I’ve asked it before, but I’ll ask it again: Is there anybody anywhere in this country who wants the vaccine and cannot get it?

Anybody? If there is, please send me a note, and I’ll do all I can to make sure you get the shot. If you live here in Washington, the governor himself might just show up with a loaded needle.

But if not, then it means people have made their choice, and any consequences they may face as a result of that choice are not because of class or anything else, but simply because individuals have the unalienable right to decide whether to be poked with a needle.

If you think that’s unfair, your beef is with the microbial cosmos. Good luck.

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