There is no end to my criticism of Trump’s handling of Covid-19, but I think this is a dangerous oversimplification that has taken root. Doctors can advise about the science, and what is known or hypothesized, but there are ultimately policy decisions to be made. Those are for elected officials, properly informed and advised, to make.
There is not just one answer about how to handle the pandemic. Some of the sub-questions, like should mask wearing be encouraged, have only one right answer, but others, like where, when, how, and how strongly should we lock down, are policy choices.
Trump fucked up the policy decisions, AND he ignored the advice of medical experts and infectious disease doctors, including those in his own administration.
Absolutely. I just worry about people who think there’s always a right answer, which can be or will be arrived at by science. Failing to listen to science is a huge part of Trump’s failure, but just listening to science doesn’t make you have all the answers, or the “right” plan.
True. Science gives policy makers evidence and the best available facts. Good policy needs to be based on collecting the best possible evidence, analyzing it and making sound decisions.
Apparently the proper answer is “Don’t change a thing-There are enough greedy idiots out there who are happily buying your bullshit.to get you re-elected.”