By Matt Underwood After CDC shooting, its employees turn their anger to RFK Jr. and Trump, it’s understandable that a sense of outrage and disillusionment would permeate the atmosphere. The shooting, regardless of its specific motivations, becomes a symbol of the tangible consequences of the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in institutions. For CDC employees, the incident may feel like a direct attack, not just on their workplace, but on the very principles of scientific inquiry and public health that they dedicate their lives to upholding.
The anger is likely channeled towards individuals like RFK Jr. and Donald Trump, whose rhetoric and actions have been perceived as contributing to the climate of distrust and animosity. RFK Jr., with his history of promoting vaccine skepticism and conspiracy theories, becomes an embodiment of the forces that undermine the scientific consensus. His pronouncements, particularly those questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines, could easily be seen as contributing to the fear and misinformation that may have fueled the shooter’s actions.
Trump, on the other hand, might be seen as amplifying these voices and exacerbating the problem through his own rhetoric. By consistently attacking institutions like the CDC and labeling scientists and experts as enemies, Trump creates an environment where skepticism of established knowledge is encouraged and normalized. His tendency to downplay the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote unproven treatments would be seen as actively undermining the agency’s work and endangering public health.
The perception is, both Trump and RFK Jr. cultivate a base of support by preying on fears and anxieties, particularly amongst those who are already distrustful of government institutions and scientific expertise. This sentiment is further fueled by the belief that these figures are driven by personal gain or political agendas, rather than a genuine concern for public well-being. For many, these actions represent a fundamental betrayal of the public trust and a direct threat to the safety and well-being of CDC employees.
Moreover, the shooting likely brings into sharp focus the broader political and ideological battles surrounding public health. The CDC, once a relatively non-controversial agency, has become a target of criticism and scrutiny in recent years, particularly from those on the political right. Employees likely feel that their work is under constant threat, with the potential for budget cuts, staff reductions, and politicized decision-making.
The anger is compounded by a sense of powerlessness and frustration. Many may feel that they are fighting a losing battle against the tide of misinformation and political interference. The incident could be seen as a culmination of years of escalating tension, where scientific facts are increasingly dismissed in favor of politically convenient narratives. It becomes difficult to maintain hope that things might improve, especially when confronted with the tragic consequences of their work being intentionally undermined.
Adding to their anger, there’s a sense that the shooting highlights the deeper societal issues at play. The shooter’s actions, regardless of their specific motives, are likely seen as a symptom of a larger problem: the growing prevalence of extremist ideologies, the erosion of critical thinking skills, and the increasing fragmentation of the public sphere. CDC employees may feel that the shooting is a wake-up call.
This anger is further fueled by the perceived hypocrisy of those who promote the theories and ideas they believe caused the shooter to act. The sentiment that Trump, et al., “won’t care,” about the safety of CDC employees, reinforces the feeling that their well-being is not valued by those in positions of power.
The tragedy creates an environment where those working at the CDC are asking, “Where do we go from here?” There’s the daunting task of rebuilding trust, both within the agency itself and in the wider public. CDC employees may feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination to fight for the truth and to protect the health and safety of all Americans.
The CDC employees may have to re-evaluate their strategies for communicating with the public, counteracting misinformation, and navigating the increasingly polarized political landscape. Their work is not only the business of science but also the business of trust.