Today on the Signal Hour, Evie and Chris talked about the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meetings at the FDA. This is where decisions about vaccine schedules are made, and it’s been a hotbed of controversy. Mostly because these meetings lacked any rigorous debate and sometimes operated on the basis of zero actual data, which is deeply concerning, especially for parents deciding on vaccinations for their children. The lack of transparency and the apparent conflicts of interest among the experts involved are alarming.
We also touched on the recent LA riots, which I’ve been calling protests. These events are not just random acts of chaos; they’re symptoms of a deeper societal issue. People are feeling the squeeze from economic pressures, and when they’re pushed into a corner, they react. It’s like a Rats In A Cage experiment – when you shock them, they turn on each other. This is what we’re seeing: a misdirection of anger and frustration, often fueled by political rhetoric that doesn’t address the real issues like wealth distribution and economic disparity.
Speaking of which, we looked at the stark inequality in wealth distribution in the U.S. The bottom 50% of Americans own virtually nothing, while the top 1% hold a disproportionate amount of wealth. This isn’t just about rich versus poor; it’s about integrity in our systems. The Federal Reserve’s policies have exacerbated this divide, and it’s time we recognize where the real shocks to our system are coming from.
We also discussed the erosion of our democratic processes. The recent overturning of a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, including by liberal justices, shows how far some local courts have strayed from legal norms. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about the integrity of our judicial system.
Lastly, we touched on Europe’s self-inflicted economic wounds. The decision to abandon Nord Stream pipelines and cap oil prices at unrealistic levels is not just economic policy; it’s a move that could lead to deindustrialization and economic hardship for many. It’s a stark reminder of how ideological decisions can have real-world consequences.
In all this, remember, the fight isn’t just about left or right, but about understanding where the shocks are coming from and ensuring our systems operate with integrity. Until next time, keep questioning, keep learning, and let’s strive for a world where our actions reflect our values.
by cmartenson 
