#62 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Friday June 18)
Good morning!
People often ask me what Trump supporters or members of the far right have to say about the Musings. Most of the time, I have found most of their comments to be thoughtful and respectful, as misguided as I may consider them to be. Here is one that is not quite respectful, taking me to task, but worthy of sharing:
“In reference to a few of your points, I can’t help but think this is how people may have been confronted during the Middle Ages if anyone had any different thoughts / ideas that were not aligned with the doctrine of the church.”
He then goes on to point out several of his examples where I am wrong and there is “another side”:
“Not sure if you are aware that there are several scientist / medical professionals who question the use of masks, Rmna vaccinations, and the impact of climate change. Your inability to give different perspectives any legitimacy is incredibly ironic since you also often preach how important it is to listen to different perspectives. Apparently open mindedness only applies to listening to those with a liberal, progressive point of view.”
AND A RESPONSE
Such claims cannot stand without a response. Let’s take the observations one at a time, assuming the concern is legitimate and not motivated by political positioning:
Comparisons to the Middle Ages. You are correct that when ideas were misaligned with the ideas of the Church, those ideas generally were shunned. Witness, for example, Galileo’s forced recantation after presenting evidence that science disproved some deep-seated beliefs propounded by the Church (including—you know—the mistaken belief that the Sun revolved around the Earth). In the Middle Ages, the push-back from the Church was based upon an unwillingness to embrace scientific fact as plainly presented to it. The comparison you make is the reverse of the Church in the Middle Ages. We have a stubborn minority resistant to advances in science and logic, as much for political purposes. Curiously, I think most churches in America would concur with the scientific fact.
“Several scientist / medical professionals who question the use of masks.” You’re right; opinions are not universal, but the minority is truly a minority. The vast majority of experts support the use of masks and many of them suggest we all would be better off continuing the use of masks in crowded public places long after the pandemic ends. Indeed, masks have reduced the incidence of influenza, with NO cases reported at Cedars this year. And for a longer time perspective, let’s recall that masks are used in all hospitals and medical procedures—are you contending they are all wrong? The simple fact is that masks by definition reduce transmission of bacterial and viral infections. You may cite authority that it may have limited benefits for the wearer; but the primary purpose is the safety of those encountering the wearer. This is not a political issue. Although many Trump supporters may try to poo-poo this as liberal overreach, the fact is that the efficacy of masks are accepted by physicians and public health officials worldwide. And as rules changing over time, medicine, science and disease prevention evolves as we learn more.
mRNA Vaccines. You are right that we don’t know everything there is to know about mRNA vaccines. But again, I think this is being touted as a political issue. The fact is that mRNA vaccines merely add one additional mRNA to the many in the body, allowing the production of one more protein, one that that binds to the coronavirus and prevents its replication. There are no known meaningful risks associated with mRNA vaccines. Their future efficacy in other contexts offers much potential.
Climate change. The data demonstrate that the average temperature worldwide is increasing. The data demonstrates that glaciers are melting. The data demonstrate that catastrophic weather events are increasing in number and magnitude. It certainly is correct that the Earth’s temperature increases and decreases over time, but not at this accelerated pace. In 2014, 97% of all climate scientists endorsed climate change as happening, accelerated by human behavior, and posing significant risks. While there is some dispute over the percentage, there is little dispute that over 80% of scientists buy into climate change as a real and significant issue. Here’s one more chilling data point: Researchers who looked at heat deaths in 732 cities around the globe from 1991 to 2018 calculated that 37 percent were caused by higher temperatures from human-caused warming, according to a study last week in the journal Nature Climate Change.
Not considering other views. With all due respect, I try to read as much as possible from other points of view. I read an entire book disputing climate change, and other articles challenging the prevailing orthodoxy.
I am more convinced that action must be taken to stave-off the effects of global climate change. Doctors around the world can’t be wrong. Germs are bad. Blocking them, whether through hand-washing, masks or otherwise, is good. Vaccines prevent infection.
GREATEST HOME RUNS
Paul Kanin, Alan Rosenbach and others have taken me to task for touting Bartolo Colon’s home run as “the greatest.” Perhaps I really mean “the most fun.” They maintain the Kirk Gibson home run in the 1988 World Series. I agree it was the greatest; although many maintain Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off homer in the ninth inning of the seventh game of the 1960 world series was the greatest. Giants fans might say the 1951 “shot heard ‘round the world” that defeated the Dodgers in the playoff for the NL pennant.
I will never forget the Carlton Fisk home run to win the sixth game of the 1975 World Series for the Red Sox. What people may forget is that if it weren’t for Bernie Carbo’s home run in regulation, the Fixk home run never would have happened. That said, the Red Sox lost the next game to the Big Red Machine.
For Angels fans, it is, of course, Scott Spezio’s eighth inning blast to tie game six and ensure a game seven, which the Angels won in the 2002 World Series, defeating the dreaded Giants and Bobby Bonds.
MEANWHILE, DON’T TOUCH FORGET TO FIRST BASE IN A HOME RUN TROT
That’s exactly what a Pirates rookie failed to do last week. Rules are rules, but missing a base in the ceremonial trot seems an odd way to lose a home run: https://www.mlb.com/news/ke-bryan-hayes-out-after-missing-first-base?partnerId=zh-20210609-420700-MLB-1-A&qid=1026&utm_id=zh-20210609-420700-MLB-1-A&bt_ee=P5tn9i3ZXLqXaHfXM3YgdF8VEzKCfCFfcgMuojFSaVRcBucJYiy7eq8s6BryQRsc&bt_ts=1623250560033
Have a great day,
Glenn
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