Rep. Thomas Massie(R-Ky.) got schooled on Twitter over this tweet arguing against the mandated using of face masks and mandatory vaccinations aimed at reducing the spread of the coronavirus:
There is no authority in the Constitution that licenses the government to stick a needle in you versus your will, require you to wear a face mask, or track your everyday movements.
Can you think of the signers of the Declaration of Independence sending to any of these things ?!— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 5, 2020
Lots of tweeters reminded Massie of George Washington’s choice to immunize the Continental Army against smallpox
Others called out the GOP congressman for appearing to rail versus wearing masks, which public health experts around the world have actually stated is an inexpensive and easy method to suppress COVID-19
Oh I enjoy history.
A lower recognized reality: George Washington’s bold choice to vaccinate the whole Continental Army versus smallpox. It was the very first mass shot in military history, and was vital to guaranteeing an American victory in the War of Independence.
— Walter A. Clyburn Reed (@deerretlaw) July 5, 2020
— Alexis Zotos (@alexiszotos) July 5, 2020
Why do people who write things like this never seemed to have troubled to study even general history?
— Ida Bae Wells (@nhannahjones) July 5, 2020
Given that the Founders saw many upsurges in their lifetimes, I would envision that telling them they could stop disease by something as simple as wearing a mask would have been seen as some kind of wonder.
Can you imagine any of these snowflakes surviving Valley Forge? https://t.co/PLRBPtEOuq
— Julie DiCaro is writing a book (@JulieDiCaro) July 5, 2020
Hi, @RepThomasMassie,
It’s time for Constitutional Law101 https://t.co/8pSFpRXX8F
— Teri Kanefield (@Teri_Kanefield) July 5, 2020
I mean it’s not like there’s a law that states the government can require you to do something you do not wish to simulate pay taxes or die in a war. https://t.co/Fotb4i7J3z
— Gene Wu (@GeneforTexas) July 5, 2020
George Washington would not permit any guy to serve under him if he wasn’t immunized against smallpox.
Charming tweet however attempt again.
— YS (@NYinLA2121) July 5, 2020
Vaccinations, masks and tracking throughout a pandemic do just that. https://t.co/be0q6Xqa7L
— Clyde Haberman (@ClydeHaberman) July 6, 2020
The Constitution they signed approved of slavery, you black lung profiteering idiot. https://t.co/PUtsWjczjr
— Dan Murphy (@bungdan) July 5, 2020
I do not believe the Creators thought about there ‘d be car homicide laws for intoxicated chauffeurs, either.
Are you recommending we get rid of those too?
— Melissa Jo Peltier (@MelissaJPeltier