As health officials warn of a third wave of COVID cases, politicians are falling back on the same remedy that failed to prevent the first two waves. But this time they’re targeting children. 

The State of New Mexico announced Monday it will force childhood vaccination and segregate students who refuse the jab as a condition of attending school. 

Despite any evidence that children are vulnerable to COVID, kids in middle and high school who do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to wear a mask.

Parents of elementary-age students will be forced to muzzle their children in order to go to school.

The news comes after weeks of speculation about whether the governor would cave to her virtue-signaling Democrat base or lift mask restrictions in the upcoming school year.

The decision comes with significant political risk. Parents regardless of party affiliation have expressed reluctance to mask their children, not only because of their low risk of infection, but because thus far the “experts” chanting “follow the science” have been wrong at every turn. 

First it was “15 days to slow the spread,” then it was months-long lockdowns that destroyed local economies and sent alcoholism, suicide, and drug overdose rates souring in many states. Vaccines were sold to us as safe and effective, with up to 95% efficacy and virtually zero side effects. They were wrong, and they were wrong when they claimed vaccines would curb transmission. 

And then there were promises from the White House that life would return to normal once we reached 70% vaccination, that also appears not to have been based on “the science.”

According to the New Mexico Health Department, the state has surpassed the 70% threshold, with 72.5% of residents at least partially vaccinated.

But as new COVID cases rise and vaccines prove ineffective at stopping new COVID strains, public officials are scrambling to justify muzzling those least affected by the virus. 

From “15 days to slow the spread” to “vaccines will curb transmission,” the “experts” turned out to have little expertise.

They were wrong then, and they’re wrong again, not only scientifically but politically.

What seemed like political suicide has become a reality. And it’s most likely just the beginning. 

Not only has Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham very likely just sealed her fate as a one-term governor, but enrollment in public education will surely drop in the coming months. 

“According to the updated guidance students, teachers and staff in junior and high school settings will not be required to wear masks if they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Proof of vaccination will be required.

Masks will still be required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in elementary schools.

Masks will also be required for anyone that is not vaccinated or refuses to show proof of vaccination in those secondary school settings.”

–KVIA

(According to PED guidance, students will not be required to wear a mask when they are eating or drinking, because apparently you can’t contract or spread COVID as long as you are putting things in you mouth.) 

In a blatant display of irony that even George Orwell couldn’t have imagined, PED Secretary Ryan Stewart said, “Our priority is to keep children in school.”

If the state is willing to mask children, it’s only a matter of time before vaccines become mandatory and lockdowns return. 

But a revolt is coming. While some of us are pulling our children out of the public education system, others plan to voice their opposition at public protests. 

We encourage both.

As reported by The Pinon Post, “on Saturday, July 31, citizens are organizing protests against school mask policies statewide, from Albuquerque to Carlsbad. So far, seven cities are participating, but the list of areas joining in the effort is expected to grow.

• ALBUQUERQUE — 10am — 1005 Osuna, Vista del Norte Park — Contact Erin at Erinmg23@gmail.com or Karen at naturallyhealthykaren@fastmail.com
• ARTESIA — 10am — corner of Main & 7th — Contact Stacey at 575–343–1234
• CARLSBAD — 1pm — Eddy County Courthouse Lawn — Contact Christy Bryant at 575–361–7779
• FARMINGTON — 10am — Main Street, Grassy Area in Front of Applebee’s, Near the Mall– Contact Lorna at 480–589–3856
• LAS CRUCES — 10am — Albert Johnson Park on corner of Main and Picacho — Contact Daniel at freepeopleofthesouthwest@gmail.com
• RIO RANCHO — 10am — Corner of Southern and 528
• SANTA FE — 10:30am — Salvador Perez Train Park at 601 Alta Vista — Contact Kristi at 505–204–8261 or kristi7issues@gmail.com

This will be updated as more information is made available.