7 Things: Biden will let you have Christmas, vaccine battle is far from over, Tuberville praises Dem colleagues for killing Build Back Better and more …

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December 22, 2021

7. Biden administration thinks testing is an issue but its solution is performative

Despite the fact that testing is readily available in most places, President Joe Biden still thinks providing tests to Americans via the U.S. mail is a strategy to defeat the pandemic. Biden previously mentioned getting at-home coronavirus tests for everyone in the country, and while his administration allegedly still plans to follow through with this strategy, it will be after the holidays before anyone could actually get these free tests.
Instead, the administration has scheduled tests to be sent out to homes across the country starting in January by buying 500 million tests. This comes after health officials regularly encouraged people to get tested before going to holiday gatherings. Additionally, some federal testing sites will be staffed as well.

6. Museum with Confederate monument sees record attendance

The Confederate monument that originally sat in downtown Mobile was moved to the History Museum of Mobile, which put the monument on display. The museum is working on an Africatown Heritage House exhibit.
There was a 28% increase in attendance during this fiscal year, with the previous record set in 2019. Museum director Meg Fowler said, “It is also important because it means we are able to fulfill our mission which is sharing knowledge about our past and helping people know and understand our past.”

5. Poll: Majority of people in Mobile support I-10 bridge plan

A poll conducted by the Coastal Alabama Partnership (CAP) shows about 75% of voters in Mobile support the current plans for the I-10 Mobile River and Bayway proposal put forward by the Eastern Shore and Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).
The plan was presented by chairmen of the MPOs, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Fairhope City Council President Jack Burrell. According to the poll, 83% of respondents think there needs to be new infrastructure, 11.7% oppose the MPOs plan, more than 90% want to keep Wallace Tunnel, Bankhead Tunnel, and Africatown Bridge free, and 86% want tolls to end when the bridge has been paid for.

4. Brooks says GOP should replace Mitch McConnell if they take the U.S. Senate

U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) has presented the idea of replacing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) with another senator, echoing calls from former President Donald Trump recently.
Brooks stated, “There are plenty of conservatives that I believe would make very good GOP leaders in the Senate. In no particular order, Ted Cruz would be good, Rand Paul would be good, Mike Lee would be good, Ron Johnson would be good, Josh Hawley.”

3. Manchin and Sinema getting credit from Tuberville for blocking Biden agenda

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is giving credit to U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) for blocking President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, since neither senator was in favor of voting to pass the massive legislation.
Tuberville mentioned how it’s been well-known that Manchin wasn’t in favor of the legislation, and went on to say, “Thank goodness for Joe Manchin stepping up for the American people…Krysten Sinema stepped up and she’s the reason we don’t have a bunch of taxes in this. She said, ‘I am not for taxing the American people.’ So, thanks to her too. These two have saved this country.”

2. Marshall says the vaccine mandate battle is not over, Biden still supports

President Joe Biden held a press conference last night to address the increase in coronavirus cases nationally due to the Omicron variant. During his speech, he mentioned the vaccine mandate and said, “I know vaccination requirements are unpopular…My administration has put them in place not to control your life, but to save your life and the lives of others,” as well as saying they’re “legal and effective.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall disagrees. Marshall has challenged multiple mandates and believes a recently overturned victory will be overturned again. He advised, “We are optimistic that the Supreme Court will act swiftly in both cases and agree with the State of Alabama that these vaccine mandates plainly exceed any power given to the federal government by the Congress or the Constitution.”

1. Biden will allow you to keep doing all those things you were already doing

During President Joe Biden’s press conference on the Omicron variant, the president declared that you may continue on with your Christmas plans if you do as he says. Biden said, “I know some Americans are wondering if you can safely celebrate the holidays with your family and friends. The answer is, yes you can if you and those you celebrate with are vaccinated, particularly if you’ve gotten your booster shot.” Regardless, Americans are not waiting to live their lives based on this virus or the words of Biden.
Obviously, most Americans are going to ignore this advice from Biden as the news on the Omicron variant continues to see milder outcomes around the world than the previous variants, even though it spreads faster. This could be because of the increased number of vaccinations and previous immunity or because the virus itself is weaker.