When Leaders Lie, We All Suffer

Democracy is founded on the idea that an educated and well-informed electorate will make decisions that are the best for solving problems and moving the country forward for both the majority and minority.

The problem is that leaders lie, they always have. The media lies and there’s no one to hold them accountable. Today, social media gives anyone who so desires the power to spread lies faster than a speeding bullet.

Earlier this year, three MIT scholars found false news spreads more rapidly on Twitter than real news does — and by a substantial margin.

“We found that falsehood diffuses significantly farther, faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth, in all categories of information, and in many cases by an order of magnitude…” — Sinan Aral, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

We Question All So-Called Experts

The internet not only hosts writers that can’t spell and aren’t familiar with correct punctuation, but many also have unfounded beliefs that are not based in reality.

There are also so-called experts, scientists, and authorities that will support any interpretation of the facts that bends a story to meet their belief system. Example— Dr. Fauci.

Writing today in an opinion column, Senator Marco Rubio called out Dr. Fauci nd other scientists who’ve told Americans about 60 to 70 percent of the nation would need a vaccine to reach herd immunity and make the coronavirus a non-issue. In this Fox News critical opinion piece he states—

“Dr. Fauci admitted that he believes the real number is in fact significantly higher — perhaps 75 to 90 percent — and he declined to be forthright because he felt the country wasn’t ready to hear it.”

Why Does Truth Really Matter

If Dr. Fauci’s “new” set of opinions are correct, the world is in the middle and nowhere near the end of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Why? Because past surveys showed a high reluctance by Americans to be vaccinated against Covid 19.

A new Kaiser Foundation survey finds an increase in the share of the public with 71% saying they would definitely or probably get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it was determined to be safe by scientists and available for free to everyone who wanted it. That’s good news!

The 71% number is up from 63% in a September survey.

Now for the downside that we will simply quote—

“About a quarter (27%) of the public remains vaccine hesitant, saying they probably or definitely would not get a COVID-19 vaccine even if it were available for free and deemed safe by scientists.”

As the survey continues, we’re told vaccine hesitancy is highest among Republicans (42%), those ages 30-49 (36%), and rural residents (35%).

Importantly, 35% of Black adults (a group that has borne a disproportionate burden of the pandemic) say they definitely or probably would not get vaccinated.

HERE’S THE MOST PUZZLING GROUP WITH VACCINE HESITANCY

“One-third of those who say they have been deemed essential workers (33%) and three in ten (29%) of those who work in a health care delivery setting…”

If we can’t get the people most exposed to the Coronavirus to protect themselves, we have a serious problem. Due to their high levels of exposure to the virus and their constant interactions with patients, they have been and will continue to be active spreaders of the disease.

Vaccine Rollout— A Slow Strenuous Task

The Covid 19 vaccine rollout is in process, thankfully. However, based on Dr. Fauci’s newly reported opinion that “perhaps 75 to 90 percent” need to be vaccinated to end the pandemic, far too many Americans are still reluctant to take the vaccine. The “definitely not” and “probably not” people add up to a huge impediment to moving past both the medical and financial crisis still unfolding in 2021 and beyond.

Regaining Trust is of Paramount Importance

In the coming months, the nation will be faced with another daunting task. How do we persuade Americans to trust the Covid 19 vaccine and get it themselves. If we really need 90% of Americans to be vaccinated for everyone to be protected, that’s a high bar in a nation that loves its individual freedom.

This leaves longing questions. Can employers legally require vaccinations for their workers? Can the Federal Government force 328 million Americans to be vaccinated? How long will it really take to end this pandemic?

When the U.S. government needs so urgently to regain trust, forcing new restrictions makes things worse. When asked why they are reluctant to take the Covid 19 vaccine, most said they were worried about possible side effects or that they just do not trust the government.

Understanding who the public trusts for reliable vaccine information will be critical for any COVID-19 vaccination outreach effort.

When you lie, the people around you learn not to trust you. When either political party runs for office based on exaggerations and lies about opponents, trust is broken. When we elect leaders who tell the best lies, we get what we deserve.

The fake news industry and social media continue to amplify the tiny voices of those shouting the worst information. It’s a conundrum of which we have no solutions.

Avoid Click Bait and Misinformation

Please don’t read the fake headlines about surveys. It’s just click bait. Read the KFF survey for yourself. Draw your own conclusions.

When leaders lie, we all suffer. The truth really matters to all of us.

How long it takes to end the Covid 19 Pandemic will affect the value of every investment you own. Get vaccinated as soon as you can and vaccinate your portfolio as well.