Sam Graves hates vax mandates — but is speaking at a conference requiring shots

Rep. Sam Graves didn’t hold back when he attacked the Biden administration for mandating COVID vaccines.

But that was last week.

So it’s interesting — and informative — that Graves plans to attend a major aviation conference this week where proof of a COVID vaccination is required.

That’s right. The National Business Aviation Association is meeting in Las Vegas, and Sam Graves is scheduled to speak. He’ll have to show he’s vaccinated, or ask the group to suspend its rules just for him.

“NBAA has adopted a COVID-19 vaccine requirement,” the organization says on its website. “All registrants, including exhibit personnel, must present proof of full vaccination to enter the ... venues.”

We asked Graves’ office to explain why a vaccine requirement is perfectly OK for a private lobbying group, but not for airline employees. His office did not immediately respond to our request for comment.

We also asked if Graves received a COVID shot. No answer.

The congressman could take a stand for “freedom” and against bullying by canceling his appearance at the conference. Not likely. Graves fancies himself an aviation expert because he can fly a plane.

Graves had plenty to say in a sternly-worded letter to the White House last week. The topic? Vaccine mandates for airline pilots and other carrier employees.

The Biden administration wants airline workers to get their shots by Dec. 8, before the holiday travel season. Graves isn’t happy.

“Despite the scientific evidence that air travel is extremely safe,” he and a colleague wrote, “your Administration is choosing to bully airlines into firing unvaccinated employees.”

It wasn’t the first time Graves has criticized COVID vaccine requirements. “Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice,” the congressman said in mid-September. “The federal government has no business mandating them.”

It’s frustrating and tiresome to constantly remind Graves and many his fellow Republicans that we require kids to get vaccines, to protect their safety, and the safety of their classmates. We have not heard the congressman complain about the polio vaccine, or the measles shot young kids must get.

The U.S. requires would-be immigrants to get vaccinations against mumps, tetanus, flu — and COVID. Suddenly, when an airline pilot has to roll up his or her sleeve, it’s socialism.

Last week the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, which represents about 9,000 pilots, sued to stop the vaccine mandate for their members. Thousands of Southwest flights were canceled over the weekend, and some suggested the pilots’ anti-vax sentiment played a role.

The pilots’ union said no. We know this: any major pushback on COVID requirements by pilots and flight crews, including sickouts and other protests, will weaken the public’s faith in air travel, which was rescued by billions of tax dollars last year.

Americans protected the airlines. The airlines must try to protect Americans.

Hypocritical rhetoric from Graves will only make things worse. As is the case for all vaccine mandates, there are exceptions for health and religious reasons. That should be enough.

COVID vaccines work. They’re free. They’re not dangerous for the vast majority of the population. And they’re the only way for the nation to emerge from the pandemic nightmare.

This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 5:00 AM.