It can’t be a coincidence that more and more people seem to be attracted to conspiracy theories as social media echo chambers continue to replace legitimate news sources.
As people spend more and more time getting their supposed “news” from groups they already agree with, it stands to reason that science will take a back seat to firmly-entrenched beliefs when the discussion boils down to ‘my science vs. your science.’
Or Jenny McCarthy vs. people with medical degrees.
Those prone to believe conspiracies as an explanation for anything they’re opposed to have been around for a while.
Was the moon landing a hoax? Was 9/11 a secret plot to pave the way for an attack in the Middle East? Is the COVID vaccine a government conspiracy?
Unfortunately that last one actually hits close to home in Alberta.
A quick scan of research reveals no scientific conclusions to the suspicion that the extreme right wing elements in conservative political parties are any more likely to believe in conspiracy theories that the extreme left wing fringes of liberal groups. Apparently neither subgroup is immune to the disease.
But whether or not conspiracy theory is the driver, the anti-vaxxers are not going away.
And Premier Danielle Smith, no stranger to wacky health care theories, seems bent on giving them a voice.
Now the anti-vaxxers – whatever their motivation might be – are in the news again. UCP MLA Eric Bouchard of Calgary-Lougheed wants COVID vaccines banned completely in Alberta.
Even as a trial balloon, this one is particularly grating when viewed through the freedom lens the anti-vaxxers are so fond of.
Bouchard is endorsing a restriction on everyone’s freedom not only to be protected from higher levels of communicable diseases circulating, but to the right of an individual to chose vaccination.
Wacky.
Politics and religion have no place in the discussion of health care rights.
As Smith’s leadership review approaches Nov. 2, it will become more apparent whether she decides to play footsie with the more extreme element in her party in order to secure their support, or publicly expose Bouchard’s idea for what it is.
Preposterous.
