Thread by @DonaldWelsh16

Science is transformative when its power is used wisely to guide public policy. Its not easy to harness but on occasion, you find someone with the essential leadership skills. Let us consider the case of Gov Desantis of Flordia. 1/

Gov DeSantis broke from orthodoxy in Sept 2020, rejecting lockdowns, masks and social distancing to implement a traditional but enlightened public health approach to C19. It was grounded on sound epidemiological principles, later expressed in the Great Barington Declaration. 2/

The policy was implemented to the consternation of the chattering class. Risk groups were identified, focused protection applied and a risk based vaccination process put into action. Schools and businesses were opened and the state flourished. 3/

Gov DeSantis took a large political risk but it was no scientific gamble. He was advised by a competent public health office and top notch epidemiologists. He listen, learned, implemented and defended his policy every step of the way. 4/

It has been an impressive display of leadership, something we so rarely see. He clearly understands his policy, carefully articulates it in public and ensures there are resources to empower it. This isn't an act. 5/

His commitment to science and sound policy development was on display this week. He brought the authors of the Great Barington Declaration, along with Scott Atlas to Florida for a 2 hour public science chat. He moderated the discussion. 6/

Please take the time to listen. Its informative and empowering. Great minds and deep reflective thought. Most importantly, you see a governor, comfortable in his own skin, participating. You're watching a politician harness the power of science. 7/

Canada hasn't been so lucky. Leadership has been fickle at best and missing-in-action at worst. Public health education was replaced by propaganda and a dismissive C19 policy. Politicians were reduced to props who light candles of remembrance. 8/

John Tory isn't alone is abdicating responsibility to a small clique of dangerously incorrect academics and public health officials. All hail from the local university and they populate the Ontario Science Panel. 9/

For 12 months, Ontarians have watched this naive group of ideologs destroy every functioning aspect of the province. From business to schools to social life, nothing was left unscathed. Anodyne theory always ahead of thoughtful practicality. 10/

The results are in and outcomes are horrific. Undoubtably, the worst social policy blunder in Canadian history. Trillions of dollars and thousand of productive lives vapourized. The ideologs have retreated into a form of denialism reinforced by discredited modeling. 11/

Wise political leadership wouldn't have abdicated responsibly for governance. Like Gov DeSantis, our leaders should have deeply engaged in policy development and not let an amateur outfit of academics freewheel it. 12/

At this juncture, it would be best for politicans to admit failure and for public health to start working collaboratively with the public. Truth is, it won't happen as politicians are in full CYA mode. No one wants to own this disaster. 13/

Truth is Canada's politicians and public health officials have decided to seek absolution from sin through the vaccination process. That is why this mundane public health policy retains a creepy cult-like feel. 14/

Their rabidness is an expression of desperation, as the public becomes ever more aware of the disaster. Time is short and politicians want to quickly pivot away from this technocratic debacle. 15/

Unlike Gov. Desantis who took responsibility for leading his state, our politicians have purposely left public health out front. The writing is on the wall, public health will take the full burnt of anger for their leadership mistakes. 16/

Leadership is hard to quantify but when you see it, you know it. We have precious little of it in Canada and perhaps its time to send a boat load of current office occupants to Florida where they can learn from a professional. End.