Letter to the editor: Be prudent when considering experts' advice

Science has given us many wonderful advancements, yet is replete with disasters: the beneficial effects of cigarettes, diethylstilbestrol, thalidomide, dioxin and asbestos. Thus, when Dr. Anthony Fauci and colleagues, with smug confidence, tell us to do this and avoid that, I shudder with the whisper of history. This is not to say they are wrong; rather, we must use prudence.

What makes me uncomfortable is the CDC’s equivocating language regarding prevention, a lack of a unified positions (WHO vs. CDC) and shifting positions, e.g. mask use. The experts tell us these measures “could,” “should” or “may” be right. This doesn’t exactly instill confidence to completely alter our way of life.

Even worse, are there any sequelae to their recommendations? What are the effects of inhaling cotton, polyester and other fibers while wearing a mask for hours every day? How about the frequent application of highly concentrated isopropyl alcohol to the skin? What are the effects from exposure to the residual product of powerful disinfectants? Are there societal, psychological and economic ill effects to mass isolation, quarantine and distancing? The treatment was a success, folks, but the patient died.

Science has given us great advances, increasing the length and quality of our lives. On the other hand, there have been clear circumscribed disasters. However, today the circumscription has been removed regarding the possibility of disastrous sequelae.

I pray Fauci and his colleagues have a reason to have smug confidence, but if dangerous sequelae develop, God help them.

The Rev. James Holland

West Deer