The controversial decision by Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the current Health Secretary, to axe $500 million in research funding reserved for mRNA technology, attracted a wave of criticism, not least from Late Night Show host, Stephen Colbert. Colbert, known for his humor, addressed the issue with a distinct level of seriousness on the recent episode of his show. ‘Life enthusiasts are in for a disappointment,’ he remarked with characteristic wit, referring to Kennedy’s decision. A segue into a calmer, but firm stance came next, ‘Regardless of political alignment, the only suitable reaction here is, how could you! You carnival-come-politician!’
Kennedy, a well-known figure from a famous lineage, had announced on Tuesday that 22 ongoing federal projects focused on producing mRNA vaccines would be abruptly shut down. These programs, according to Kennedy, were not yielding fruitful results. This statement drew sharp cynicism from supporters of mRNA technology and those cognizant of its possibilities. Unlike conventional vaccines that utilize a weakened form of the virus, mRNA vaccines engage a fragment of the viral DNA to elicit an immune response.
The instrumental role of mRNA technology in fast-tracking the vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic has established its significance in the scientific world. However, the decision by Kennedy seems to undermine this crucial progress. It’s as if one decided to disregard modern direction guides and insist on celestial navigation, mused Colbert, ‘Just imagine, saying, ‘Dear children, we’re going old-school. We’ll find our way to the amusement park by star mapping. Now pass the navigation tools!’ A humorous comparison underlining the gravity of the matter.
Kennedy’s skepticism towards vaccines, particularly the mRNA variety, has been a subject of public attention for some time. His recent decision echoed his views when he questioned the efficiency of mRNA vaccines, especially against viruses that target the upper respiratory tract, ‘As we learned from the pandemic, mRNA vaccines aren’t exactly ideal against such viruses,’ he stated. These statements unleashed a fresh wave of backlash, making Colbert one of the many sharp critics.
Impassioned, Colbert hit back at Kennedy’s assertion, using colorful language to unleash his disbelief. ‘You are messing up, big time! You, the poster-child for anti-progressivism, will cause disasters!’ he retorted. He swiftly escalated his argument, rapidly stating, ‘your uninformed choices will result in loss of lives!’ He further backed his claim by referring to data from the National Institutes of Health, quoting that mRNA vaccines contributed to averting 14.4 million potential fatalities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As the tirade winded down, Colbert ended his segment with a significant quote by a highly-regarded professor from the University of Minnesota. The academic called Kennedy’s announcement ‘the most treacherous maneuver in the sphere of public welfare’ he had seen within his half-century career. Colbert reinforced this statement by adding a memorable instance from the past, ‘Remember, five decades ago, our food pyramid foundation was essentially based on menthol-flavored cigarettes.’
The post RFK Jr Cancels mRNA Research Funding Amid Outrage appeared first on Real News Now.
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