Originally Posted by
GeorgeYoung
You seem to have a serious misconception regarding how this works and what is being mandated. The mandates are not directed at the states, but rather federal employees, federal contractors and health-care workers at facilities that receive federal funding. This is within the scope of the federal government regarding the vaccination of their employees and who they choose to do business with. States can still do as they please. For example, if you open up or are employed by a starting strength gym, there is no federal mandate requiring vaccination. That is unless this gym is receiving federal dollars. If so, then they would be required to get their employees vaccinated if they want to continue to receive said dollars. There is also no new law that is being created, but rather the enforcement of laws that previously exist. Therefore new legislation does not need to be passed and your point about "duly enacted legislation" is moot. Any private companies can also choose (but are not required) to enforce vaccine mandates for their employees as terms/conditions of employment. Certainly you can refuse the vaccine if your employer (whether that is the federal government or private company) requires it, but they don't have to choose too continue your employment.
No one is stepping on state rights. If your employer wants you be be vaccinated (and in this case the employer would be the federal government) they have every right to do so according to already existing laws which have already gone through repeated challenges at the supreme court. If you are unhappy with your employers requirement you are free to quit and find a new job, but your options for future employment may be limited. Enjoy your freedom, but it does come with consequence.