Thread by @SGriffin_Lab

The culling and replacement of #ACIP at RFK's behest is shocking, sure.
However, what we absolutely MUST NOT forget is that the long-term aim of this 💩 is to normalise the adoption of fringe, politically driven "scientific views" into mainstream policy, now and in the future.

Now, I'm not saying that all the appointees are culpable, but I suspect you know the ones I'm talking about.
Ever since SARS2 emerged, there has been a groundswell of supposedly "legitimate" scientists given platforms to sabotage public health, vaccines, therapeutics, and policy.

Now, let's be clear. These folks aren't regarded as "fringe" because of some conspiracy. They're not persecuted or silenced (far from it!).
They are fringe because what they say/support/try to publish is flawed and/or biased, and so simply won't pass the scrutiny of peer review.

Many, not all, but many are backed by known right-wing organisations, or linked to other peddlers of dis/misinformation. Adopting an erstwhile "reputable" academic helps maintain the thin veneer of legitimacy that's used to lure many unsuspecting folks into supporting them.

I couldn't possibly manage to keep track of all this stuff, but see the excellent debunking and exposure on feeds from folks like @karamballes, @_johnbye, @jneill in the UK, as well as @gorskon, @19joho, @AlastairMcA30 in the US for starters...

The framing is all important. RFK knows this.
"Restoring faith" in vaccines adds fuel to the still small but growing flame of anti-vax narratives, now apparently known as "scepticism."
The perception of a problem has been created, and an all-too-convenient solution provided...

The infiltration of #ACIP is perhaps the most extreme example to date.
However, I doubt that JCVI was/is immune to influence from certain members who drafted open letters on dropping COVID mitigations, or UKHSA advisors now publishing with Hoeg and Prasad 🙄

Don't get me started on the bizarre APPG on pandemic response & recovery.
Point is, as @angie_rasmussen predicted, it was obvious that having RFK in charge of HHS would attract many of the usual suspects made infamous via their libertarian "sceptical" views on COVID, vax, etc.

@angie_rasmussen They have been playing a long game since Wakefield and before, with roots traceable to past climate and tobacco lobbies.
Think tanks, charities, and even research institutes have been established to erode the fabric of actual science. Some even brand themselves "evidence-based"🤦‍♂️

@angie_rasmussen So, an appeal to media, politicians, fellow scientists and clinicians, or anyone else.
PLEASE don't take this lying down, let us not grow complacent. Let's fight against the ludicrous autism report and protest against the inevitable curtailing of vax programmes.

@angie_rasmussen If we try to rationalise these shifts in what's acceptable as scientific best practice (not saying it's currently perfect!), if we say "it'll probably be OK", if we stop calling out collusion between certain scientists and some elements of the media, then it WILL be too late.

@angie_rasmussen The US situation right now is horrendous. Fundamental principles of funding, health, and research priorities are being undermined and destroyed.
But, this could happen anywhere; when we start to hear things like the "woke agenda" in scientific discourse, it's time to worry!

@angie_rasmussen Now, finally, a link to what's going on at the end to avoid algorithmic bollox...linked to a aspect of MAHA/MAGA i haven't even mentioned yet...
And we wonder where the grant funding might end up...🤬🤬🤬

reuters.com/business/healt…

@angie_rasmussen P.s. apologies for the fragmented delivery of this 🧵.
First about 2/3rds didn't publish, then it wouldn't let me copy the tweets from drafts...
Bizarre. Anyway, hope this makes sense
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