Next, Fauci accepted Cochrane’s conclusions at the population level – agreeing that masks don’t slow the pandemic, but said that they do provide individual protection. Of course, this makes no sense. If a mask works to protect an individual, then surely a whole population of mask wearers would be better protected?

Leaving aside the faulty logic of these claims, Fauci’s reluctant recognition of the lack of community protection offered by masks is utterly at odds with some of his own previous assertions. In fact, Fauci’s position on masks has always been inconsistent. …

Among the masking advocates, Fauci is unique. He controlled both the pandemic response from his position within government, as well as a high-prestige national research-funding stream. He had a stranglehold over policy and promoted himself ruthlessly. His arrogance and dishonesty stifled science and encouraged the adoption of an entirely pointless policy. He should never have been allowed to do this in the first place. We certainly shouldn’t indulge his fear-mongering again now.