Colorado Governor Jared Polis has long been known for his independent streak, and now he's embracing a new label: "pro-freedom." This ideology, which extends beyond typical conservative ideals to encompass everything from allowing kids to run lemonade stands without permits to supporting the legalization of so-called "magic mushrooms" and opposing vaccine mandates.
In an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, Polis defended his stance, saying he's "pro-vax" but believes the government shouldn't force people to get vaccinated. "So, pro-freedom," he explained. "We need to give people the freedom to make their own choices about their health."
When asked about recent changes to CDC guidance on childhood vaccines, Polis played down the new recommendations, saying they're just suggestions and that parents should use them as a guide in making decisions for their children. However, many experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have warned that these changes could be dangerous.
Polis' "pro-freedom" stance has led some to wonder how far it extends. He assured Dokoupil that he's not an anarchist and believes in fundamental rights like freedom of speech and assembly. However, he also argued that there's a role for government to step in when individuals start interfering with others.
The governor's views come as the Trump administration is trying to deny billions of dollars in social service funding to Democratic-led states over allegations of fraud. Polis took issue with this approach, saying it's "really inappropriate" and that he wants to work with the federal government to prevent fraud and find solutions.
Polis also lamented what he sees as a growing divide between Democrats and Republicans. He believes that personal attacks and negative rhetoric are undermining the common goals of Americans from all parties. Instead, he advocates for celebrating shared values like hard work, honesty, and a commitment to making the country better.
At heart, Polis' "pro-freedom" stance is about giving people the autonomy to make their own choices and live their lives without excessive government interference. While this may not be a traditional conservative position, it's certainly one that reflects his independent streak and desire for pragmatism in governance.
In an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil, Polis defended his stance, saying he's "pro-vax" but believes the government shouldn't force people to get vaccinated. "So, pro-freedom," he explained. "We need to give people the freedom to make their own choices about their health."
When asked about recent changes to CDC guidance on childhood vaccines, Polis played down the new recommendations, saying they're just suggestions and that parents should use them as a guide in making decisions for their children. However, many experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have warned that these changes could be dangerous.
Polis' "pro-freedom" stance has led some to wonder how far it extends. He assured Dokoupil that he's not an anarchist and believes in fundamental rights like freedom of speech and assembly. However, he also argued that there's a role for government to step in when individuals start interfering with others.
The governor's views come as the Trump administration is trying to deny billions of dollars in social service funding to Democratic-led states over allegations of fraud. Polis took issue with this approach, saying it's "really inappropriate" and that he wants to work with the federal government to prevent fraud and find solutions.
Polis also lamented what he sees as a growing divide between Democrats and Republicans. He believes that personal attacks and negative rhetoric are undermining the common goals of Americans from all parties. Instead, he advocates for celebrating shared values like hard work, honesty, and a commitment to making the country better.
At heart, Polis' "pro-freedom" stance is about giving people the autonomy to make their own choices and live their lives without excessive government interference. While this may not be a traditional conservative position, it's certainly one that reflects his independent streak and desire for pragmatism in governance.
i mean on one hand its cool that he wanna give ppl the freedom to make their own choices but on the other hand vaccine mandates arent just a matter of personal choice theyre actually about keeping us safe and preventing harm 
maybe instead of focusing on giving ppl more freedom we should be talking about how to make our healthcare system more accessible and affordable for everyone 
also what about the elephant in the room - some of these "magic mushrooms" are literally illegal for a reason 
its not just about giving ppl autonomy it's about considering the potential risks and consequences too 
! He's saying people should have the freedom to make their own choices about getting vaccinated, but what if those choices put others at risk? 
I get that he wants to give people autonomy, but doesn't he think there are some things where government intervention is actually necessary for the greater good?
The thing that gets me is how he wants to focus on shared values like hard work and honesty instead of all the drama and negativity between parties. That's something we can all get behind 
And what's with the magic mushrooms? That's just a whole other can of worms. 
I'm not convinced he's really that "pro-freedom" about anything... 
. I'm all for personal responsibility, but sometimes that means listening to the experts and following some guidelines.
. We need more of that kind of civility and less of the hate-talking nonsense. And, hey, if we can find common ground on things like hard work and honesty, that's a start 
. So, yeah, I'm all for Polis' "pro-freedom" stance, but let's keep it balanced, you know? 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to run a lemonade stand without permits? 
It's all about giving people the freedom to make their own choices, right? But seriously, it's interesting how his views on vaccines are kinda complex - he wants people to be free to choose, but also doesn't want the government forcing them. I get where he's coming from, but at the same time, what if those "freedom" choices lead to harm for others? 
.
just saw Colorado Gov Jared Polis say he's "pro-freedom" but wants to give people autonomy to make their own choices... meanwhile, experts are warning about the dangers of unregulated vaccines 
and now Biden's trying to deny billions in social service funding to Democratic-led states over fake allegations 
. I mean, come on, allowing kids to run lemonade stands without permits? That sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me 
. And don't even get me started on his stance on "magic mushrooms" - what's next, are we gonna start giving people a free pass to do whatever they want? 
. That just seems like a bunch of doublespeak to me. I think there's more to this whole "pro-freedom" thing than meets the eye... 
