Science depends on the free and transparent exchange of information, as does our democratic system. Efforts to suppress or demonize contrary viewpoints undermine both the advance of knowledge and our ability to debate policy questions. In the frantic period before Covid exploded in the US, one scientist texted virologist Kristian Andersen about his alarm that blame for a possible lab leak might fall on China’s researchers. Given the public backlash that would follow, he argued, it was best for other scientists simply to say that “we are content with ascribing it to natural processes.” Andersen responded: “I hate it when politics is injected into science, but it’s impossible not to, especially given the circumstances.” So, it was settled. A group of the world’s top virologists decided to hide their doubts and claim unanimous agreement that the virus emerged from nature.

When scientists craft their scientific conclusions to political ends, they are no longer practicing science. They have entered the political fray. They shouldn’t be surprised when the public begins suspecting political motives behind their other claims, as well. Public health officials let political concerns and institutional biases influence their statements and policies throughout the pandemic. And the media eagerly served as handmaiden to these efforts. Americans started the Covid-19 pandemic ready to make enormous sacrifices to protect their own health and that of others. But our political leaders, health officials, and media squandered that trust through years of capricious policies and calculated dishonesty. It could take a generation or more to win it back.

[They’re not off to an auspicious start thus far. They are still suppressing dissent and debate, thanks to their continuing influence on Big Tech platforms and funding of ‘fact check’ speech police organizations. Until they commit to liberty rather than control as a first principle, we won’t trust them — nor should we. — Ed]