There would be much to discuss if we expected sincerity and coherence in the modern world. From here, I do not recall ever seeing such chaos, incoherence, cynicism, and exploitation in my lifetime. We have the prospect of Covid vaccines being pulled from the market, the half-decade late admission of covid’s immune harm, and the silence of advocates who have been satiated with awards and institutes, but no answers. While I am pleased to see admissions of the oncogenic potential of sars cov 2, I admit I was surprised it was only conceded when there was a cure to market and to conservative media. Nevertheless, we approach a garishness and bathos exemplified by the president selling Trumpcoin on the front lawn, a full professor pronouncing their h-index, and the Pharisees lending money in the temple.
If you were in attendance at the Long Covid discussion in the spring, you may have heard me recommend to hunker down for the next 8 years. I reiterate that. Sadly, there will be no rescue from intellectual or moral superiors to follow. Where are they? Where are the adults, or champions? We are descending into highly polarized tribalism, the decay of complex systems, and a flaming pageant that I suspect is to distract us from the mess behind the curtain. Imagine Prometheus had torn down the mountain with the flame of knowledge in hand, arriving to a body of people whose minds have been anesthetized with 10 second videos confirming every bias they have chosen to keep. We are in decay. At least there will be award ceremonies, hor d'oeuvres, and honorariums. To those “leaders” complicit and thriving, congratulations on the world you have brought us to.