I think first responders feeling "the need to protect the community at large was not a compelling argument" deserves a little more examination.

* If they don't believe this would protect the community, I disagree. Can they explain themselves?

* If they don't care about protecting the community, well, wow. Police often get special treatment because they step into danger to protect the community, but I'm sure not seeing that here. Houston Methodist just set the precedent that workers can be fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccination, and I see no reason local law enforcement couldn't or shouldn't be fired for the same reason.

I find this totally unacceptable. First responders are tasked with protecting the public and they are paid with public dollars. If they are unwilling to be vaccinated then perhaps a new career is in order, one which does not require protecting the public while being paid by the public. The vaccination rates should be well into the 90% range for all first responders, accounting for those who due to other health conditions are advised by their medical provider not to be vaccinated are the only exceptions. Full Stop....It makes me angry that people who commit to protecting the community are putting the community at risk by not being vaccinated.