Somehow, over the course of the last several years, the coronavirus pandemic has become a political issue that tears at the very soul of our nation.
On the left, they see the crisis as a way to promote the “big tent” ideals of the Democratic Party, in which we all work together in some Kumbaya sort of utopia, eschewing our own desires for progress for the sake of those who may not have the willingness to take care of themselves.
But, on the right, it’s all about freedom and the idea that Americans all have an opportunity to make choices for themselves.
As COVID fatigue grows, however, it seems as though a massive shift in thinking is just over the horizon, and liberal comedian Bill Maher may be leading the way.
Bill Maher has said that he’s “over Covid” and that doctors shouldn’t tell people “just do what we say” in relation to how to handle the pandemic.
The comedian and HBO talk show host told Deadline in an interview that “I feel like Covid is still the dominant issue of our lives right now and it should not be anymore”.
The 66-year-old said he was “never scared” of Covid-19, but that he was “always scared of the reaction to it”.
“As this has played out that only proved to be more true for me,” Mr Maher, who contracted the virus in May of last year, told Deadline. “I’m sure many people feel different, but that’s me. It was never that virulent a threat, I thought, to people who were in good health.”
Maher had plenty more where that came from.
“I’m not saying they deserved to die. Don’t twist my words, please,” Mr Maher said. “I’m just saying that is a lifestyle, you know? So, the fact that America, the medical establishment, never even attempted to get people to live a healthier lifestyle as a response to this pandemic is a giant scandal to me.”
The comedian said that if Americans had tried to increase “their vitamin D levels, up their zinc levels, stop eating sugar, get a proper amount of sleep, stop overeating and day drinking, which is what went on during this pandemic, they would have a much better chance. The people who didn’t do that have blood on their hands. There’s no other way to put it”.
The stark shift in messaging comes as we enter year three of the pandemic, and under the reluctant leadership of Joe Biden – one of the least productive Presidents of the modern political era.
