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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. - Getty Images
We are scared. Frankly, terrified. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary hangs heavy in the air, a chilling premonition of what might come. This isn't simply a political disagreement; it's a deep-seated unease about the very foundations of public health. We are facing a man who actively promotes views antithetical to scientific consensus, advocating against vaccinations, extolling the virtues of consuming raw, potentially dangerous foods, and propagating medical conspiracy theories. His past struggles with drug addiction and his claims of a brain parasite only amplify our concerns. This isn't about partisan politics; it's about the well-being of our nation.
This appointment feels like a culmination of a trend – a troubling pattern of President Trump appointing individuals to positions of power who appear demonstrably unqualified, individuals who prioritize ideology over expertise. It leaves us reeling, questioning whether the institutions we’ve long relied upon are still safeguarding our collective health and well-being. The feeling is one of profound loss: the loss of trust, the loss of faith in the system, and a growing sense of a nation adrift.
"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." — Fred Rogers
Mister Rogers - PBS
But even in these darkest hours, we must remember Mr. Rogers’ wise words. As he once said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"
And that is exactly what we must do.
Despair is a luxury we cannot afford. We must actively seek out those who are helping, those who are fighting to uphold the principles of evidence-based medicine and public health. This is a time for collective action, for community support, and for unwavering vigilance.
What can we do? Here are some steps we can, and must, take:
Seek Informed Counsel: Find doctors and other healthcare professionals who adhere to established scientific principles. These individuals will be crucial for providing accurate information and guidance in navigating the challenges ahead.
Connect with Advocacy Groups: Numerous organizations are dedicated to public health and scientific integrity. Join these groups, participate in their initiatives, and amplify their voices. Your support is invaluable.
Stay Informed, But Be Discerning: Information is power, but misinformation can be devastating. Critically evaluate your sources, relying on reputable news outlets and scientific journals rather than unreliable social media posts on X.com, or biased websites.
Support Evidence-Based Policies: Contact your elected officials, participate in town halls, and advocate for policies grounded in scientific evidence, not conjecture or ideology. Let your voice be heard.
Foster Community Support: Lastly, we must take care of ourselves and each other. These are stressful times, and it's important to remember to take a break and take care of our mental and physical health. We must also look out for our friends, family, and neighbors. We must offer support and assistance to those who need it.
This is not a time for passivity; it is a time for action. The appointment of Mr. Kennedy is a wake-up call, a stark reminder that we must be vigilant protectors of our health and the health of our nation. We must raise our voices and make ourselves heard. We must contact our elected officials and express our concerns. We must write letters to various print and online media, and we must share our thoughts and opinions on social media sites like BlueSky. We must make it clear that we will not stand for the appointment of unqualified individuals to important government positions. We must RESIST.
We may feel fear, but let that fear fuel our determination to fight for a future where evidence-based decision-making reigns supreme. Let us find the helpers, become the helpers, and together, navigate these uncertain times.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
