VP, in the absence of actual RCTs how do these docs go around shouting #MASKS WORK!!!
I feel like the medical profession writ large either has no idea what an RCT is, or pays no attention to whether they exist for (fill in the blank) recommendation.
Basically, my entire impression of doctors is eroded. And it ain’t coming back anytime soon. These people are out of their minds — truly driving blind, and appealing to authority to CYA.
Let's see how mad people really are at the judge. The same day of her decision every major airline dropped the requirement. Multiple viral videos show people cheering, flight attendants singing. When asked whether people should mask on airplanes, Biden - the executive sponsor of the mandate that had been overturned - said, "it's up to them." The administration took two days to even suggest they would appeal the ruling and, still, will do so *without asking for a stay.* Most of the coverage of the administration's thinking says they are concerned they will lose on appeal because the judge's decision was, you know, right.
Vinay, No thinking person could dispute what you have written here. But as I have pointed out many times, there is an extensive literature on the general lack of utility of masks, especially with regard to viruses. This has been well known for years. Pretending that we need new studies starting from "ground zero" for something already well studied and disproven might be interesting, but is almost guaranteed to be unproductive. How many times does the same thing need to be demonstrated? I really wish you would drop the "bioplausible" thinking on masks. The sun circling the earth was "geoplausible" and every bit as wrong.
For those interested, here are some curated references that I expect you will find generally persuasive on the silliness of the mask conversation.
If you want to look at real world data from the covid years, I suggest the book Unmasked by Ian Miller. Can get from any of the usual booksellers.
In fact, even Monica Gandhi, (also from UCSF), a reasoned writer but generally a shill for the diktats of the government, cowrote a piece in the Chronicle this week that said flatfootedly "...MASKS DO NOT WORK". Her point was why are we even discussing this any more? For once I agree with her.
If Monica has come around then why are we tolerating CDC announcing (just moments ago) that the judge's opinion will be appealed because "requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health". It has nothing to do with public health and everything to do with trying to retain capricious power over everyone JUST BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY CAN. I agree with Vinay and Monica and any thinking physician (there are an amazing number that just follow this advice blindly...so sad) that this has to stop.
And it will take us to stop it. I have not worn a mask yet (full disclosure: I carried one a few times) and will not wear one now irrespective of what CDC says -- in fact, one can generally assume at this time that if CDC says it, it is a lie. What a really sad state of affairs from a once useful agency.
Incidentally, everyone I know is thrilled with the judge.
Vinay, I know you consider yourself to be a progressive and I am not one of those but I could probably support you for political office. You and Marty Makary might be able to make a difference. Why not team up with Mike Shellenberger?
And meanwhile here in Canada we are keeping our mask mandate for planes. What are we trying to prove, with this ignorant virtue signaling? Oh wait, maybe I shouldn’t care I can’t fly anyway here. They won’t let the unvaxxed on a plane. Science!!! Vinay I appreciate your anger. We all need to use our anger to help demand justice.
Bravo Dr. Prasad. The only thing that will fix this is credible experts like yourself holding their feet to the fire. It's outrageous, thank you for saying so, and please don't stop.
IT'S is a contraction meaning It Is. ITS is a pronoun. Before you come back with a snarky rejoinder that I am "being a pedant", consider that this kind of flub detracts greatly from your impact. You make this error often, and there are others of different pedigree. Proof read your stuff, please ! I agree that CDC has failed miserably and in multiple ways.
The RCTs don't really matter what matters is the CDC's authority to mandate anything not covered by law as in Title 42. And as far as masks go, the data are in provided by Ian Miller who can be found on Twitter and on SubStack if you don't wish to buy his book. On a population scale the masks were not useful in practical terms. You can complain about how the masks were worn or their quality but at scale they fail to do much about the spread. Aside from creating a social culture that offends some and makes others happy, the masks are pointless theater.
It is so bad that even if masks did work, and even if there was RCT trials to support it, I would be against letting the CDC have any kind of authority ever again. Health officials have proven themselves extraordinarily myopic and there's a reason why they have been ignored by everyone up until recent history
Interesting take, VP, as always. Society and social contracts are complex. Seems like so many forces were involved, some incredibly powerful. You have the POTUS, Fauci, a large portion of the political party in charge proclaiming that masks work. Large parts of traditional media unquestioningly carrying this message. How many of your colleagues were silent voices? Other voices attacked and/or silenced by big tech and institutions. Decisions pushed through FDA. The normal checks and balances of society failing. CDC…maybe at best, the “fall guy.”
VP, in the absence of actual RCTs how do these docs go around shouting #MASKS WORK!!!
I feel like the medical profession writ large either has no idea what an RCT is, or pays no attention to whether they exist for (fill in the blank) recommendation.
Basically, my entire impression of doctors is eroded. And it ain’t coming back anytime soon. These people are out of their minds — truly driving blind, and appealing to authority to CYA.
I wasn’t looking for this.
Let's see how mad people really are at the judge. The same day of her decision every major airline dropped the requirement. Multiple viral videos show people cheering, flight attendants singing. When asked whether people should mask on airplanes, Biden - the executive sponsor of the mandate that had been overturned - said, "it's up to them." The administration took two days to even suggest they would appeal the ruling and, still, will do so *without asking for a stay.* Most of the coverage of the administration's thinking says they are concerned they will lose on appeal because the judge's decision was, you know, right.
I think a lot of the anger is performative.
Vinay, No thinking person could dispute what you have written here. But as I have pointed out many times, there is an extensive literature on the general lack of utility of masks, especially with regard to viruses. This has been well known for years. Pretending that we need new studies starting from "ground zero" for something already well studied and disproven might be interesting, but is almost guaranteed to be unproductive. How many times does the same thing need to be demonstrated? I really wish you would drop the "bioplausible" thinking on masks. The sun circling the earth was "geoplausible" and every bit as wrong.
For those interested, here are some curated references that I expect you will find generally persuasive on the silliness of the mask conversation.
https://relevantdata.substack.com/p/the-most-important-mask-studies-a?s=r
If you want to look at real world data from the covid years, I suggest the book Unmasked by Ian Miller. Can get from any of the usual booksellers.
In fact, even Monica Gandhi, (also from UCSF), a reasoned writer but generally a shill for the diktats of the government, cowrote a piece in the Chronicle this week that said flatfootedly "...MASKS DO NOT WORK". Her point was why are we even discussing this any more? For once I agree with her.
If Monica has come around then why are we tolerating CDC announcing (just moments ago) that the judge's opinion will be appealed because "requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health". It has nothing to do with public health and everything to do with trying to retain capricious power over everyone JUST BECAUSE THEY THINK THEY CAN. I agree with Vinay and Monica and any thinking physician (there are an amazing number that just follow this advice blindly...so sad) that this has to stop.
And it will take us to stop it. I have not worn a mask yet (full disclosure: I carried one a few times) and will not wear one now irrespective of what CDC says -- in fact, one can generally assume at this time that if CDC says it, it is a lie. What a really sad state of affairs from a once useful agency.
Incidentally, everyone I know is thrilled with the judge.
Yup , I have ZERO confidence in the CDC, NIH and WHO!
At least there is a judge that has the integrity to do her job. But oh my goodness she was appointed by Orange Man Bad.
Vinay, I know you consider yourself to be a progressive and I am not one of those but I could probably support you for political office. You and Marty Makary might be able to make a difference. Why not team up with Mike Shellenberger?
Well said & written...I agree 100% with your evidence-based approach.
Vinay, you’re speaking like a....scientist! What is this? We live in clown word. Thank you.
And meanwhile here in Canada we are keeping our mask mandate for planes. What are we trying to prove, with this ignorant virtue signaling? Oh wait, maybe I shouldn’t care I can’t fly anyway here. They won’t let the unvaxxed on a plane. Science!!! Vinay I appreciate your anger. We all need to use our anger to help demand justice.
Bravo Dr. Prasad. The only thing that will fix this is credible experts like yourself holding their feet to the fire. It's outrageous, thank you for saying so, and please don't stop.
IT'S is a contraction meaning It Is. ITS is a pronoun. Before you come back with a snarky rejoinder that I am "being a pedant", consider that this kind of flub detracts greatly from your impact. You make this error often, and there are others of different pedigree. Proof read your stuff, please ! I agree that CDC has failed miserably and in multiple ways.
Vinay, how do your colleagues at UCSF feel about your activism?
The RCTs don't really matter what matters is the CDC's authority to mandate anything not covered by law as in Title 42. And as far as masks go, the data are in provided by Ian Miller who can be found on Twitter and on SubStack if you don't wish to buy his book. On a population scale the masks were not useful in practical terms. You can complain about how the masks were worn or their quality but at scale they fail to do much about the spread. Aside from creating a social culture that offends some and makes others happy, the masks are pointless theater.
VP,
It is so bad that even if masks did work, and even if there was RCT trials to support it, I would be against letting the CDC have any kind of authority ever again. Health officials have proven themselves extraordinarily myopic and there's a reason why they have been ignored by everyone up until recent history
What an excellent, incisive commentary!
Interesting take, VP, as always. Society and social contracts are complex. Seems like so many forces were involved, some incredibly powerful. You have the POTUS, Fauci, a large portion of the political party in charge proclaiming that masks work. Large parts of traditional media unquestioningly carrying this message. How many of your colleagues were silent voices? Other voices attacked and/or silenced by big tech and institutions. Decisions pushed through FDA. The normal checks and balances of society failing. CDC…maybe at best, the “fall guy.”