Seattle was the scene of a slew of protests last week as Governor Jay Inslee’s vaccine mandate went into effect at midnight on October 18. As all city and state workers who had not yet received their first shot were fired, people took to the streets of the progressive city to express their opposition to the mandate.
A rally hosted by March For Freedom Washington at Seattle City Hall was attended by law enforcement officers, teachers, bus drivers, nurses and firefighters, many of whom spoke out on their reasons for not getting the jab.
Many cited concerns about the potentially deadly side effects of the vaccine, while others took a stand because they want the freedom to make their own medical choices and are concerned about the precedent the mandate is setting.
The rally was not just attended by those who were unwilling to take on the risks of the vaccine; many of their vaccinated colleagues showed up to express their support.
Speaking to the Post Millennial, one attendee said: “I served as a firefighter for 23 years. I have seen things that you wouldn't wish on your greatest enemy. I never thought this is how my career would end."
"Last year we were frontline heroes; this year, we're enemies," the firefighter added.
The turnout was significant, particularly considering how far left Seattle is, with many civilians honking to show their support. As the group marched throughout the city’s streets, they chanted phrases such as “End the mandates” and “We will not comply.”
Video posted on social media last week showed Seattle firefighters and police officers who lost their jobs for not getting vaccinated turning in their boots in protest. Multiple pairs of boots could be seen sitting on the steps of Seattle City Hall, along with a police uniform. That march was part of an event organized by fire department members who are against vaccine mandates that also included feeding breakfast to the city’s homeless community.
The separation process for fire department employees who did not submit exemption requests or proof of vaccination got underway on Wednesday.
On the eve of the deadline, Seattle police officers who were not planning to comply with the mandate hung Gadsden flags out of their patrol vehicles.
Protests also seen outside Seattle City Light, Boeing
Workers for Seattle City Light also held their own protest outside of their building. Several workers have already been asked to turn in their badges due to their vaccination status.
Beginning on October 25, residents of King County, where Seattle is located, will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present negative COVID-19 test results to enter gyms, restaurants, bars and other types of entertainment venues.
In nearby Everett, meanwhile, hundreds of people protested the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for Boeing employees outside of the airplane maker’s facility there. More than 300 workers and their families turned out to push back against the mandate, with some saying they will quit their jobs over it.
Boeing’s 125,000 employees, 57,000 of which work across the Puget Sound region, are facing a deadline of December 8 to be fully vaccinated against the virus or lose their job. Exemptions may be granted in some cases for “disability or sincerely held religious belief.” However, those who are given an exemption will be required to be tested for the virus frequently and present negative test results.
Some municipalities inviting cops who lost jobs due to vaccine mandates to work
It is heartbreaking to see qualified and loyal professionals lose their jobs because they are taking a stand for health freedom, but not every part of the country is being as unreasonable as Seattle. For example, the Indiana State Police recently tweeted a message to Chicago police officers who lost their jobs for not being vaccinated that read: “Hey Chicago police officers, we’re hiring! No vaccine mandate … lower taxes, great schools, welcoming communities.”
Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the state would welcome unvaccinated law enforcement officers who are terminated over noncompliance with mandates, offering the officers $5,000 bonuses to relocate to Florida and join police forces there.
DeSantis said: “Nobody should lose their job based off these injections.”
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