The Proposed COVID-19 ‘Pandemic Amnesty’

// Hand in blue medical gloves holding a syringe and vaccine vial with Covid 19 Vaccine Booster text, for Coronavirus booster shot.Last week, Emily Oster wrote an article at The Atlantic proposing that we declare “A Pandemic Amnesty.”  Her idea was that some folks had proposed silly things early in the COVID-19 pandemic, when information was short. Rather than blame each other for mistakes, we should declare an amnesty and stop assigning blame.

Oster’s concept is unrealistic, of course; it will never happen. But Oster is making the legitimate point that our knowledge of COVID-19 increased over time, and people in good faith changed their opinions as the scientific evidence changed.

googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-top-300x250" ); googletag.enableServices(); });

What surprised me was not Oster’s proposal, but the strident reaction from the right. Instapundit, for example, was once a jovial and articulate voice from the right but, with the rise of Donald Trump, has become increasingly shrill and insulting. Instapundit shouted “NO” to Oster’s proposal, linking to articles castigating the left for mistakes that liberals had made during the pandemic.

Shifting Dynamics: A New Era of L&E Related Legal Matters Sponsored Shifting Dynamics: A New Era of L&E Related Legal Matters How can legal leaders continue to cost-effectively address L&E investigations in this current economic climate? Join us on November 17th to find out. From Axiom and Above The Law

How short is the memory of those on the right.

Liberals did, in fact, make mistakes during the pandemic. Closing down beaches and other outdoor spaces early in the pandemic was silly and counterproductive.  Schools were probably closed for too long. Liberals made mistakes.

googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-middle-300x250" ); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-storycontent-440x100" ); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-in-story-youtube-1x1" ); googletag.enableServices(); });

But conservatives conveniently overlook the many hare-brained ideas sponsored by those on the right.

Remember hydroxychloroquine? Conservatives proposed it for everyone with COVID-19; some suggested taking it preventatively. In fact, the drug may cause heart-rhythm problems and should be administered only under a physician’s close supervision.

Sponsored PD Appreciation Month: Professional Development & Business Development Mixer 2022 Sponsored PD Appreciation Month: Professional Development & Business Development Mixer 2022 Recent workplace changes like remote work or quiet quitting highlight the value of business and career development training for all legal industry professionals. From Practising Law Institute Shifting Dynamics: A New Era of L&E Related Legal Matters Sponsored Shifting Dynamics: A New Era of L&E Related Legal Matters How can legal leaders continue to cost-effectively address L&E investigations in this current economic climate? Join us on November 17th to find out. From Axiom and Above The Law Investing In Mental Health Can Show Concrete ROI. Here’s How. Sponsored Investing In Mental Health Can Show Concrete ROI. Here’s How. Ways to see proven ROI from a workplace mental health program From Spring Health and Above The Law PD Appreciation Month: Professional Development & Business Development Mixer 2022 Sponsored PD Appreciation Month: Professional Development & Business Development Mixer 2022 Recent workplace changes like remote work or quiet quitting highlight the value of business and career development training for all legal industry professionals. From Practising Law Institute

How about ivermectin? Many on the right saw it as a miracle cure; in fact, it was terribly dangerous.

How about masking? Those on the right saw this as a terrible infringement on liberty, with no beneficial effects. Remember “face diapers”? That was certainly an invitation to intelligent debate.

People drive on the right side of the road, even though they might prefer to drive on the left, and people stop at red lights, rather than race through them, because we accept some minor inconveniences  as the price we pay for living in a civilized society. Everyone could have accepted a masking suggestion — or requirement — for people on public transportation or in crowded indoor spaces as another minor inconvenience that could save lives. Instead, the right rebelled against this terrible infringement on the right to liberty.

googletag.cmd.push( function() { // Enable lazy loading. googletag.pubads().enableLazyLoad({ renderMarginPercent: 150, mobileScaling: 2 }); // Display ad. googletag.display( "div-id-for-bottom-300x250" ); googletag.enableServices(); });

And, of course, vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines save lives. Period.

Every leader in the country, and every thoughtful person on social media, should have encouraged folks to get vaccinated and thus save lives.

Sponsored Law Firms Find Balance In Shifting Talent War With Timely Resource Insights Sponsored Law Firms Find Balance In Shifting Talent War With Timely Resource Insights As legal demand and firm capacities fluctuate, firm leaders must find ways to provide clients with swift and responsive legal services and prioritize lawyer work-life… From BigHand The Lawyer’s Guide to a Comprehensive Open Source Compliance Program Sponsored The Lawyer's Guide to a Comprehensive Open Source Compliance Program Join us on November 16th to uncover the key ingredients of a comprehensive, effective, and efficient compliance program. From Fossa and Above The Law

But nutcases on the right opposed vaccines, because pharmaceutical companies were causing computer chips to be injected along with the vaccines as part of a vast government conspiracy, or various other inanities.

My goodness.

For those on the right to have forgotten so quickly the dangerous — or deadly — misinformation they spread during the pandemic is striking.

I’m not passing judgment on which side made bigger, or more costly, mistakes during the COVID-19 crisis. But there’s certainly plenty of blame to assign to both sides.

Mark Herrmann spent 17 years as a partner at a leading international law firm and is now deputy general counsel at a large international company. He is the author of The Curmudgeon’s Guide to Practicing Law and Drug and Device Product Liability Litigation Strategy (affiliate links). You can reach him by email at [email protected].

Topics

COVID-19, In-House Counsel, Mark Herrmann


Introducing Jobbguru: Your Gateway to Career Success

The ultimate job platform is designed to connect job seekers with their dream career opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone seeking a career change, Jobbguru provides you with the tools and resources to navigate the job market with ease. 

Take the next step in your career with Jobbguru:

Don't let the perfect job opportunity pass you by. Join Jobbguru today and unlock a world of career possibilities. Start your journey towards professional success and discover your dream job with Jobbguru.

Originally posted on: https://abovethelaw.com/2022/11/the-proposed-covid-19-pandemic-amnesty/