The problem with science changing and researchers' "flip-flopping" is not something the public doesn't appreciate under normal circumstances. They can understand the knowledge of science changes. The issue is that politicians have deliberately selected certain scientific claims of the moment to push a particular social policy. On both sides. So the average schnook, caught between a rock and a hard spot, who isn't stupid, sees through the hustle and ignores what might otherwise be good advice.
Especially when the same political side pushes two contradictory messages. Over the weekend it broke that conservatives just are not posting vaccine selfies online, and, well, that should be concerning. Stelter, of liberal CNN, was really concerned about this, and had a good whining session on his show over it. Meanwhile, rabid lefty Joy Reid engaged in vaccine denialism by insisting that even after getting vaccinated, we should continue to double mask, not invite people over or go out to enjoy ourselves, because, I guess, she thinks they're ineffective.
It's so hard to nail down the messaging here. Do these vaccines actually work or is it just a senseless passing fad that really does nothing? I've all but given up hope at ever really figuring out what the stance on the left is other then being for the eternal hobbit who never leaves the house.
But anyway, my wife and I this Sunday found a seemingly random yet classic "middle of the block" Philly old-man's bar in what use to be a row house around the corner from us to watch round 4 of The Master's. Walked in, no-one was wearing a mask, we then asked if they really needed us to order food to get a drink, to which they replied, to our delight, "yeah we dont follow those rules." Appalled by the total disrespect at our city's Supremes, we decided it was our kind of place and had a few drinks without food while watching Japan kick everyones ass for the first time in 80 years.
