The Dark Side of the Pandemic: How Misinformation and Inequality Contributed to Excessive Deaths
As the United States surpasses the grim milestone of 500,000 COVID-19 deaths, it is essential to reflect on the series of events that led to this tragedy. The wellbeing of the nation cannot be separated from the for-profit healthcare industry nor the flawed narrative that dominated discussions for over two years.
Challenges in Mortality Rates and Pharmaceutical Profit
The methods used to calculate mortality rates have changed significantly in light of the CORONAVIRUS outbreak. In a healthcare system driven by profit, it is easy to overlook the underlying health disparities and pre-existing conditions that predispose certain populations to more severe outcomes. Many individuals have taken new pharmaceutical products or multiple rounds of the virus, but still succumbed to its effects. This is likely due to the complex interplay of personal health, genetic factors, and the fragility of an underdeveloped immune system, especially in younger individuals.
Medical science suggests that a significant portion of the population had underlying health issues or were in poor health. The majority of those who succumbed to the virus had multiple comorbidities, while younger individuals may have lacked a fully developed immune system. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the actual scientific evidence rather than the often misleading reported data that was pushed as the narrative for over two years.
The Role of Misinformation and Lack of Transparency
Bob Woodward's book "RAGE" sheds light on the early stages of the pandemic and the significant role of misinformation. In January 2020, President Trump and his team were aware of the potential danger posed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, their initial response was marked by a series of unpredictable and often ineffective initiatives, including the rush to develop vaccines through the WARP SPEED program.
One of the turning points was when it was observed that minorities in New York City were disproportionately affected by both infections and deaths. Recognizing the potential political impact of this, Trump chose to downplay the risks and focused on a strategy of letting nature take its course. This decision was influenced by the possibility that low voting attendance in urban centers could benefit his re-election efforts. By undermining the trust and safety of in-person voting, he inadvertently facilitated a higher number of mail-in ballots, which were safer for the population.
The Tragic Consequences of Misunderstanding and Misleading Messaging
The gap between the scientific understanding of the virus and public perception was exacerbated by misleading information and a lack of transparency. When minorities, who historically faced barriers to voting, turned out in large numbers to participate in the election through mail-in ballots, the GOP faithful found themselves baffled by this turnout. Their leaders' failure to address this issue directly contributed to the Jan. 6th Insurrection, a deeply troubling event that sought to delegitimize the democratic process through violence.
Trumponomics and the Republican base's inability to accept a loss and the reality of the pandemic's impact on minority communities led to a dangerous escalation. The storming of the Capitol by Trump's followers was not an isolated incident but a manifestation of a larger issue of misinformation and a lack of empathy towards those affected by the virus. The security of the Capitol was woefully inadequate, allowing for the insurrection to proceed unhindered. This event, now referred to as "a day that will live in infamy", illustrates the severity of the situation.
Had these events not unfolded as they did, the outcome could have been catastrophic. The ethnic cleansing that was in the works, if allowed to proceed, would have resulted in further deaths and suffering among the poor, immigrants, and marginalized communities. The efforts of security heroes who protected elected officials from harm demonstrated the ongoing danger and the need for continued vigilance.
Conclusion
The pandemic is far from over, and neither is the struggle for truth and equality. As we navigate these challenging times, it is imperative to confront the issues of misinformation, health equity, and the importance of transparency in governance. The lessons learned from these events must guide our actions towards a more resilient and inclusive society.
Keep praying, for the well-being of our communities and the progress towards a better future.
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