The Fifth Column Members Only #256 -- How Media and Public Health Failed Our Kids (w/ David Zweig)
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Apr 21, 2025 David Zweig, author of 'An Abundance of Caution', unpacks the failures of media and public health that directly impacted children during the pandemic. He discusses the misguided narrative around school closures, revealing overlooked evidence that highlighted the low risk COVID-19 posed to kids. Zweig critiques how political divides and media misrepresentation shaped public perception and decision-making. His insights provide a compelling look at the consequences of these decisions on education and mental well-being.
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Pandemic as Decision-Making Lens
- David Zweig sees the pandemic as a case study in decision-making under crisis with limited information.
- The book analyzes society's function, influenced by media and public health officials during the pandemic.
Early Knowledge on Schools' Safety
- By June 2020, evidence showed children were not at substantial risk from COVID and schools did not drive transmission.
- Claims that lockdown decisions were reasonable "fog of war" choices are false according to Zweig.
Europe Schools Reopened, US Ignored
- In May 2020, 22 European countries reopened schools and their education ministers met to confirm no impact on case rates.
- No major American media covered this pivotal meeting, signaling major information failure.