The United States of Science (with Sharon McMahon)
Oct 11, 2023
01:12:53
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This podcast explores the government's role in healthcare and health-related policies, discussing pivotal Supreme Court cases, the constitutionality of vaccine mandates, and legislation not based on science. The hosts emphasize the dangers of passing science-related policies without credible evidence. They also highlight the importance of scientific expertise in policy-making and the spread of misinformation impacting food safety, Lyme disease, and public health. The podcast delves into the historical significance of the government's role in health care and the complexities of governing systems in decision-making.
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Quick takeaways
Delegating rulemaking authority to experts allows for safety and regulation in specific areas like public health or aviation safety.
Government decision-making in healthcare is often driven by personal beliefs rather than evidence, leading to a disconnect in support for different healthcare measures.
The complexity of government decision-making serves as a protective mechanism against corruption and manipulation, despite often leading to seemingly nonsensical outcomes.
Deep dives
Delegating Rulemaking Authority to Executive Departments
The legislative branch delegates their rulemaking authority to executive departments or executives like the president or governor. This is done because legislators often lack the expertise in specific areas such as public health or aviation safety. Delegating authority allows experts in those fields to create rules that ensure safety and regulation. However, there are cases where the executive branch oversteps their rulemaking authority, and the major questions doctrine is used by the Supreme Court to limit such overreach.
Healthcare Policy and Government Decisions
Governmental involvement in healthcare policy and decision-making is complex and often the subject of controversy. While some individuals may oppose government mandates for vaccines, they may support government regulations and restrictions on access to abortion or other healthcare measures. There is a disconnect here, and it stems from differing personal beliefs and the perception that government decisions are motivated by personal ideologies rather than evidence. Democracy itself can be inefficient and susceptible to bad actors, making decision-making a challenging and often contentious process.
The Complications and Layers of Government Decision-Making
Government decision-making is intentional and designed to be complicated to prevent corruption and the consolidation of power. The layers of complexity in democratic systems like the United States are meant to safeguard against the influence of a single individual or group. While this complexity can be frustrating and lead to seemingly nonsensical decisions, it serves as a protective mechanism to prevent the system from being easily manipulated. The intricacies of government decision-making cannot be easily explained or justified, as they involve a multitude of actors, perspectives, and considerations.
Government's Involvement in Healthcare and Public Health
Throughout history, the government has played a significant role in healthcare and public health, albeit with varying degrees and approaches. A notable example is George Washington's mandate for vaccination, known as variolation, to protect the Revolutionary troops from smallpox. Despite differences in health standards, the government's involvement in healthcare has always existed. The podcast discusses how government intervention in health is not a new concept and dispels the notion that it does not belong in healthcare.
Vaccine Mandates and Constitutional Rights
The podcast explores the tension between vaccine mandates and constitutional rights. It mentions the landmark case of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, where the Supreme Court upheld the state's authority to require vaccinations. The discussion highlights that vaccine mandates do not involve forced or involuntary medical procedures. Rather, they impose fines or restrictions for individuals who choose not to comply with vaccination requirements for the greater good of public health. The podcast emphasizes that the tension between personal beliefs and public health measures has always existed and that the Supreme Court has consistently recognized the government's authority to enact public health interventions.
On this weeks episode of the pod, we are talking about the government's role in healthcare and health-related policies. We sat down with America's government teacher, Sharon McMahon, to dig into the United States of Science! We talk about some pivotal cases that came before the Supreme Court and the implications of their rulings. We discuss whether the vaccine mandates are constitutional and the controversy surrounding them. We spend some time discussing legislation that is not science-based and the dangers of science-related policies being passed without credible evidence to support them. This was an extremely important conversation and we hope you'll tune in!
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