Kinda fascinating that a virus is the biggest story in 2020for me personally, way ahead of Sanders vs Democratic Party or SpaceX or forest fires or anything else. Something is different about this bug compared to last few, and it isn’t just the online memetic immune response.
Conversation
I think it’s a live referendum on the importance of institutional and expert responses in an age that has convinced itself both are irrelevant and have lost all trust and credibility.
1
9
52
People I thought were radical BTFSTTG types are suddenly turning into CDC stans and believers in epidemiology credentials. Nobody is suggesting popular referendums like Brexit to shape responses. There’s a limit to faith in crowds/distrust of authorities after all.
3
1
31
The thing is, even if the institutions and experts are responding poorly, there’s no “populist” alternative on the table. Almost anyone can be President it seems, but very few can do things like analyze viruses or synthesize vaccines.
2
4
29
Replying to
I agree with the overall point. But there are some interesting internet sources popping up on Coronavirus like U.K. Dr. John Campbell's Youtube channel. He tries to accurately summarize new developments as pertain to the virus.
youtube.com/user/Campbellt
1
1
1
He’s a teaching doctor and has an appointment at an emergency hospital in North England.
He is the best public communicator on this disease. Tireless and excellent, his channel is totally evidence based and on the scientific literature, but explaining clearly to a wide audience.
1
2


