Editors at The New England Journal of Medicine have come together in an editorial condemning the Trump administration’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Titled “Dying in a Leadership Vacuum,” the editorial is available in full to the public.
NEJM, one of the world’s most respected medical journals, has never before taken a partisan political stance. But apparently the current situation is so dire that the editors (all 34 of them) felt compelled to speak. And while they refrained from saying “vote for Joe Biden,” they did make it quite clear that Donald Trump should be voted out of office:
When it comes to the response to the largest public health crisis of our time, our current political leaders have demonstrated that they are dangerously incompetent. We should not abet them and enable the deaths of thousands more Americans by allowing them to keep their jobs.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
It is nice to see some medical professionals speak out — professionals not beholden to or controlled by the President.
Sad, this Journal has lost some of its’ shine in the past years among a wide range of professionals.
Their strength was neutrality and objectivity – not dealing in emotions or political leanings – so as to hold a high bar for credibility.
Great publication, but I wish they hadn’t done this. The authors – with the weight of their authority and knowledge – could have published this in a different venue (and they should speak up)
Some things should remain above the fray – for continuity and trust. Now people will always wonder. Not a good thing.
Perhaps they felt their message would carry more weight if it appeared on the pages of NEJM. But yes, a different venue might have been a good idea. NEJM may now be discounted by a lot of people as “that liberal medical journal.” You and I know its reputation, but the majority of Americans probably do not.
Yep. Agreed.
Even other medical journals have stumbled – and lost credibility as they stray from their purpose.
You remember this – and the deserved outrage which forced the editors to retract and apologize as well as the “research” authors? The replies to editors’ Twitter says a great deal. And the comments relayed int he article. Primary sources must be very careful and make sure the journals’ guidelines are kept in place.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/25/cnn10/medbikini-backlash-and-apologies-trnd/index.html
I managed to miss that particular kerfuffle. But it makes me cringe. Professionalism and objectivity are critical in medicine and science. Social media has no place — ever!
Trashed the reps of the editors – and damaged the journal’s too.
Like trying to unringing the bell.
Hey, stay safe and dry. I can’t believe there’s yet another hurricane closing in on you.
Nah, just scattered showers here – which are badly needed. Should turn north tonight or shortly ( mass of dry air/small fronts supposed to protect us here…fingers crossed – have cat and dog food in any case)
Lake Charles and NOLA+ are getting pounded once again….Might as well put in an elevated bullet train from both ways there to here -maybe they can get a grant – would probably save lives and make sense…so won’t happen
We are so ready for this hurricane season to end. Hope the smoke is better there – what a summer which we actually didn’t have.
Nope, still smoky here. Can’t see the mountains. Can sometimes actually smell the smoke. And still too warm. HIgh 80s yesterday and 85 predicted for today. But could be much worse. Poor California.