While I try to focus on technology, InfoSec, project management, and similar disciplines, I sometimes feel a need to comment on other topics in the news. In particular, I find myself enraged by the disgusting way that Dr. Anthony Fauci (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Fauci) is being treated by certain politicians, such as Senator Rand Paul (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rand_Paul) and Senator Roger Marshall (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Marshall_(politician)).
It is interesting for me to note that both of these politicians are physicians (Paul is an ophthalmologist, and Marshall’s completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology). Instead of acknowledging simple truths, such as the importance of masks and social distancing, and that vaccination is one of the most successful healthcare interventions in human history, they spread misinformation about COVID-19 and many other topics. But, of course, they have no actual evidence or legitimate arguments against the facts people like Dr. Fauci provide to the public, so they conduct ad hominem attacks against him. This disgusting behaviour (by these two and others) has resulted in a great many preventable deaths, and I’m actually rather surprised that they are not facing wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of thousands of the victims of COVID-19 – but that’s another topic.
Over the past few weeks, Paul and Marshall (among others) have consistently attacked Dr. Fauci, using distortions, misrepresentations, and outright lies. As one example, Marshall (https://ca.news.yahoo.com/anthony-fauci-calls-sen-roger-225238356.html) made unfounded allegations about Dr. Fauci, then claimed that his staff was unable to find Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosures and stated:
“Wouldn't you agree with me that you see things before members of Congress would see them so there is an air of appearance that there are some shenanigans going on. I assume that's not the case.”
Fauci’s response was a vastly entertaining “What are you talking about?”.
Now, I would not claim to be an expert in researching things on the internet, but it took me about 10 seconds to locate multiple sources for Dr. Fauci’s financial disclosures. As a public official, they have been public for over thirty years. What I find most interesting, though, is that Marshall doesn’t appear to have had similar concerns regarding the financial disclosures of the prior president...
Strange, isn’t it? Hypocritical, isn’t it?
Obviously yes, but not surprising.
Below is an open letter to Dr. Fauci, to illustrate the debt that we as a society owe to the work he has done in the face of such disgusting behaviour by elected officials whose job is to ensure the health and safety of their citizens.
Cheers!
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Dr. Dr Fauci:
Though I am Canadian, I have been following a great deal of US news over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been greatly concerned about the way it has been handled in most places, though very impressed by your own work in this area.
I have watched the scientific consensus and government responses evolve as we learn more about the virus, and have been very much impressed by the way in which you (and others attempting to explain the science to the public) have been consistent in pointing out that the situation changes quickly and that it’s necessary to change course as our understanding changes. In the early stages, one thing that stuck in my mind was a comment you made in which you estimated about 18 months until we had a vaccine ready to be broadly deployed. That was not a popular comment, but turned out to be very close to what actually happened, and I very much appreciate the clarity and honesty with which you approach all of your public appearances.
The political side was vastly more complicated, of course. During the previous administration, you continued to provide honest information to the best of your ability, in spite of the enormous political pressure you were obviously under to minimize the impact of the situation. You were repeatedly forced (by your sense of duty) to contradict the president, but managed to do it in such a way that stayed as far from politics as was possible. I can only imagine how hard it must have been for an honest man to work for a liar, but I think I speak for a great many when I thank you for your hard work.
I have listened to many of your public appearances regarding COVID-19, and also some of your appearances on the podcast Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda (https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/clear-vivid-with-alan-alda/id1400082430), and have nothing but praise for how you have behaved though this whole period.
In the past few weeks, you have obviously been the target of a campaign of misinformation by certain politicians, and it should make every decent person angry that your family is suffering because of the lies and distortions being spread about you. That said, it is a testament to the accuracy of the information you are providing to the public that these people are attempting to smear your personal reputation because there’s really no legitimate response to the information you are providing.
Please know that your work and your sacrifices are apparent to all those who want to know the truth, and need to understand how to navigate this situation. I have no doubt that you are frustrated at the lost opportunities for reducing the impact of the pandemic, resulting from the near-sociopathic disregard for public safety demonstrated by a number of politicians, but I have no doubt that the situation would have been vastly worse without your contributions. You are one of the true heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic and have certainly saved many thousands (Tens of thousand? Hundreds of thousands?) of lives through your efforts in spite of self-serving politicians spreading misinformation at every turn.
Thank you, Dr. Fauci!
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