Science vs Politics

Who should we take our cues from?

My answer is both. Both scientist and politicians have their role to play. When we are discussion the economy we should hope our politicians lead us well. Their decisions set policy which control our lives. Some decisions impact different groups in different ways. Politicians don’t always make good choices. Good politicians learn from their mistakes.

Similarly when it comes to medicine to whom should we listen? My answer is doctors and scientist. Do they always make the right decisions? Just like politicians the answer is no. But the scientific method tells us, if we do something wrong, try something else.

Of course the politicians get advice from economist before setting policy.

So when it comes to COVID-19?

Doctors and scientist are the ones who should take the lead. The advances in medicine has lead us to great advances. Improved hygene brought on by studies conducted by doctors and scientist has improved our health drastically. It makes sense to wash our hands often. It improves our health and those around us.

Wearing a mask when we have a cold also makes sense. By wearing a mask decreases the likelyhood that we infect others. In countries such as Japan that has been the common practice for decades. So why not in the US? What makes us so different?

What makes a wise person?

A wise person is one who is aware of one’s own strengths and weaknesses. A scientist who starts with a conclusion, tests and finds the results don’t meet expection is wise if they except the results and moves on to a new hypothesis. A politician is wise if the get advice from people with knowledge and proceeds accordingly. A politician who barges forward without learning is unwise.

I want a wise politician.

Ron DeSantis

Politicians get elected by promising people they will do what people want done. Is that wise? Not if that means ignoring reality. The reality is Ron DeSantis is not a medical doctor. He raises money by making fun of Dr. Fauci. His supporter don’t like what they hear Dr. Fauci saying. Ron DeSantis is an opportunist. It doesn’t make he the right man to run Florida.

Dr. Fauci first said that masks were not necessary. At the the PPE was in short supply. When it became clear the coronavirus was transmitted through the air and masks were effective in slowing the spread, he suggested we wear a mask.

Ron DeSantis and politicians of their ilk disagreed. They did not learn. They were not wise.

It would be great to always be right.

But as humans we are not. Each of us is a work in progress. We learn as we get older. The wise person is one who recognizes this that continues to learn.

I don’t see Ron DeSantis as being a wise man. His actions and policies around the coronavirus support this conclusion. He does not learn from his mistakes.

Give me the Dr. Fauci’s

of this world everytime.