The article discusses the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the political divisions surrounding public health measures. The author criticizes both liberals and conservatives for their handling of the pandemic. They argue that liberals are in denial about the severity of the virus and its ongoing impact, while conservatives are actively trying to undermine public health measures.
The author points out that despite four years of the pandemic and over a million deaths in the United States, there has not been enough discussion about the collective trade-offs made in response to COVID-19. They argue that governments have prematurely declared the pandemic over and have stopped tracking the spread of the virus and reporting detailed data. This allows people to believe that life has returned to normal without acknowledging the ongoing risks and consequences.
On the conservative side, the author highlights attacks on public health authorities and vaccination efforts. Republican legislatures in nearly 30 states have enacted laws that weaken public health authorities, and conservative legal challenges are targeting childhood vaccine mandates. The author also criticizes former National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins for downplaying the social and economic impacts of lockdowns during the early days of the pandemic.
Overall, the author paints a bleak picture of the current state of the pandemic. They argue that liberals are in denial, conservatives are actively undermining public health, and the virus is still spreading. The article highlights the need for a more honest and informed discussion about the ongoing risks and trade-offs associated with COVID-19.
