Dead Drop: July 9

THERE IS A WORD FOR THAT, CONGRESSMAN:  Representative Thomas Massie (R, KY) created a bit of a stir on the eve of the 4^th of July by tweeting that he had been “contacted by members of our voluntary military who say they will quit if the COVID vaccine is mandated.” Massie went on to say that he has introduced a bill in the House that would prohibit requiring members of the Armed Forces to be forced to get a COVID shot. For the benefit of the Congressman and his military sources, several twitter observers pointed out that “quitting” the military has another name: “desertion.”  Others recalled that when going through boot camp – and at other times during their military careers – they were lined up, told to present arms (or butts) and given shots with no opportunity to opt out.  The difference with COVID, is that vaccinations are being given under an “Emergency Use Authorization” and so far, the military has elected not to mandate the jabs.  But the Army has recently indicated they may require soldiers be fully vaccinated as early as September 1. What happens if the masses follow Massie’s advice and just say no?  We have one colorful example – the so-called “QAnon Shaman,” Jacob Chansley (AKA Jake Ageli) who was accused of breaching the Capitol wearing fur and horns.  He was reportedly once a sailor who refused to take an anthrax vaccine – and, according to reports, was subsequently discharged.  Hey, it could have been worse.

FRANCE SURRENDERS TO RUSSIA:  Well, not the entire country – but the Moet Hennessy company that makes champagne has reportedly agreed to label their product “sparkling wine” to comply with a new law in Russia that says only bubbly made in the Motherland can be labeled as champagne.  Moet is apparently pandering to Putin by downgrading their fizzy beverage to a name that gives the Russian juice a leg up.  This is not the first time our gallant Gallic allies have been involved in an identity crisis.  Remember Freedom Fries?