MAGA fascists gave me COVID

Anti-science anti-vaxxers like RFK Jr. are a danger to public health and our children

My Fellow Democracy Defenders,

I have been sick in bed all week because MAGA gave me COVID.

Last week was the most difficult week of my life. My partner was fired from their DEI career. I was forced to return to the office, even though I have been productive working from home.

The stress and lack of sleep weakened my immune system. MAGAts have taken over our beloved Washington DC. They made fun of me for wearing a mask and are reinstating workers who were rightfully fired for refusing the COVID vaccine. I am almost positive I caught COVID from someone in the office. Now I have to quarantine myself away from my immunocompromised child. I am running a high fever with a sore throat and the dreaded brain fog. Thankfully I am up to date on all my boosters, otherwise I’m sure it would be much worse.

In these dark days, I appreciate your support. It warms my heart to know that all of you value public servants and the fight for our democracy. The most important things you can do are as follows:

• Upgrade if you are able to support our family of civil servants during this turbulent time

• Remember to get your flu shots and COVID boosters

• Call your Senators and urge them to vote against anti-science anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. (details on why he is an awful choice below)

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RFK Jr. is considered a threat to public health by many scientists, experts, and organizations because he has spread misinformation about vaccines. He is the worst of many bad Trump nominations. Here are the main reasons why he is so dangerous:

Anti-Vaccine Advocacy

RFK Jr. has been a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement for years. He has repeatedly promoted the false idea that vaccines are unsafe and linked to conditions like autism, despite overwhelming scientific evidence showing that vaccines are safe, effective, and critical for preventing infectious diseases. His organization, ironically named Children's Health Defense, spreads misinformation about vaccines, amplifying fears that are not supported by credible science.

Undermining Trust in Institutions

RFK Jr. has publicly questioned the integrity of organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the scientific community at large. By spreading distrust, he undermines public confidence in these institutions that play a key role in safeguarding public health.

Spreading COVID Misinformation

During the COVID pandemic, RFK Jr. promoted misinformation about COVID vaccines, masks, lockdowns, and treatments. He falsely claimed that the vaccines were unsafe and untested, despite extensive clinical trials and real-world data showing their safety and effectiveness. He also spread conspiracy theories about the origins of COVID, further fueling public confusion and distrust.

Public Health Consequences

Misinformation promoted by RFK Jr. and others in the anti-vaccine movement has contributed to vaccine hesitancy. Lower vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, such as measles, which reemerged in some areas due to declining immunization rates. His rhetoric has far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations, as the spread of misinformation can discourage people from seeking life-saving vaccines or adhering to public health guidelines.

Conspiracy Theories and Fear-Mongering

RFK Jr. has been associated with promoting conspiracy theories related to vaccines, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. These narratives often lack evidence but appeal to distrustful and skeptical segments of the population, further complicating efforts to promote evidence-based public health recommendations. His actions contribute to a larger trend of science denialism, which undermines efforts to combat infectious diseases, achieve herd immunity, and respond effectively to health crises. By spreading misinformation, he poses a risk not only to individuals who believe his claims but also to society at large, as diseases can spread more easily in under-vaccinated communities. RFK Jr. is viewed as a threat to public health because his promotion of vaccine misinformation, distrust in science, and conspiracy theories have the potential to harm public health efforts, increase disease outbreaks, and erode trust in lifesaving medical interventions.