Reckless Arrogance

Our Vice President Mike Pence visited my medical school alma mater, Mayo Clinic, this week. 
Despite being briefed of the weeks-long universal mask-wearing policy (which is the standard at public settings and health care facilities nation-wide), Pence (who claims he's tested regularly for Coronavirus and negative) opted to buck the policy for his photo-ops for unknown reasons (or at least no valid ones like "wanting to look people in the eye" [masks don't cover eyes]). Despite his professed extremely conservative and "pro-life" Christian beliefs, Mike Pence's actions are extremely arrogant and dangerous for the lives around him. SHAME ON HIM and his blatant disregard for public health, policy, rules, patients, and staff. Shame on this reckless, unprepared, science-skeptical Republican administration. Shame on Mayo Clinic for not insisting he follow the policy or be escorted out.

Pence's act followed a disturbing press conference in which our seriously unhinged president suggested that introducing disinfectants into our bodies or blasting ourselves with UV light may be a reasonable way to fight COVID-19.

If you're a Mary Poppins fan and need a laugh in these dark times amidst a reckless administration, check out this parody my mom sent me:  "A Spoonful of Clorox."

And then there are the protesters (largely MAGA and libertarian types) who think that the state-imposed restrictions on commerce and travel are too Draconian, infringing too heavily on their "personal liberties."  There aren't enough words for me to express how misguided and selfish these people are, often unmasked, gathering in crowds in close proximity, armed, in Trump-style campaign rallies in states (like Michigan) with some of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks (which require stricter measures!). Public health should not be partisan!

Do we have a constitutional right to protest?  Yes.  Is it the right and wise thing to do in the middle of a public health crisis with a highly contagious infectious disease?  No. Are we all struggling with despair, anxiety of the unknowns of these times and do we all wish that we could escape the monotony of our houses and days and get back to (normal) work and life? Absolutely.  Do these individuals know better than scientists, health care providers, public health experts, and their informed leaders to choose the precise right timing and cautious logistics in these challenging times? ABSOLUTELY NOT!  Lifting restrictions widely and too early will only prolong the pain of periodic lockdowns as case numbers and fatalities rise (the hammer and the dance). We can do things right (à la China, Korea, Taiwan, or New Zealand), or we can prioritize our American "liberties" and  sense of exceptionalism and live in this pain for a couple of years until treatment or vaccines are widely available. From a concerned doctor and one who cares about others (and who is glad to live in taking-this-appropriately-seriously California [thank you, Governor Newsom, for your leadership]): It's not about you. Stop being reckless and arrogant.  Love thy neighbor.