Woke Lysenkoism at CDC

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Democrats accused the Trump Administration of politicizing the CDC, but HHS’s seizure made data more transparent. The CDC now posts more Covid data, but often late and it omits critical information. Instead of publishing raw data for outside scientists to analyze, the CDC often only releases studies that support its policies, such as mask mandates. 

Politics drives many CDC decisions, including one last spring not to collect information on breakthrough Covid cases lest this show declining vaccine efficacy. Its school reopening guidance was written in part by American Federation of Teachers chief Randi Weingarten. 

Most egregious was its eviction moratorium. The eviction ban was first imposed under Donald Trump, but the Biden Administration repeatedly extended it based on dubious science that purported to show it reduced the virus spread. The Supreme Court eventually ruled it illegal. The CDC’s usurpation of Congress and states continued with its illegal mask mandate on public transportation, also based on thin science.

   The agency’s public guidance is often confusing. But the larger problem is that its recommendations are seemingly arbitrary and don’t acknowledge scientific uncertainty. The agency has also been slow to adjust its guidance. Last spring it was still advising the unvaccinated to wear masks outdoors. 

   While failing at its core responsibility, the CDC has stretched its powers and mission. Consider a CDC study in May, which attributed increased gun violence in 2020 among young, black men in part to “longstanding systemic inequities and structural racism.” Its suggested remedy: More government transfer payments.
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Dr. Walensky now plans to make the agency more “action-oriented.” But the CDC’s problem isn’t inaction. It has taken wrong and often counter-productive actions, including support for lockdowns and other government coercion. (See John Tierney nearby.)  

Ms. Walensky commissioned a review of her agency in the spring, and it’s ironic that she hasn’t made it public since one criticism is the CDC’s lack of transparency. Instead she has released boiler-plate recommendations such as “promote results-based partnerships,” “translate science into practical, easy to understand policy,” and “prioritize public health communications.”

More spending is Dr. Walensky’s other proposed remedy. The agency received a 7% raise this year, but she wants more for a new office of “equity” to increase workforce diversity and improve communications with minority groups.