When America Was 'Great'?

Reflecting on the past, some, like Donald Trump, idealize the era of President William McKinley, who led from 1897 to 1901. Trump recently noted, "He was a strong believer in tariffs, and we were probably the wealthiest at that point in our history." But did Americans truly thrive during the late 1890s? Hardly.

The Realities of the Gilded Age

In truth, while it was indeed the Gilded Age, not everything was glittering. Real incomes were a mere fraction of what they are today. Back then, only about 1% of households had indoor toilets, and child mortality rates were alarmingly high—over 23%. Life expectancy was just 47 years. It's evident that the leaps we’ve made in medical science and sanitation since then are nothing short of miraculous.

A Tale of Medical Advancements

One crucial factor behind today’s lower death rates is the groundbreaking progress in medical science. Consider the history of vaccines: During the 1918-1919 Spanish Flu pandemic, tens of millions perished worldwide. Yet, from the 1940s onward, vaccines have emerged to save countless lives, from the polio vaccine to measles, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. by 2000.

The recent COVID-19 vaccines may very well represent the pinnacle of scientific achievement, developed in under a year and saving millions of lives. Significant contributions came from brilliant immigrant scientists, underscoring how diversity fuels innovation.

Threatening Our Progress?

However, today's political climate poses a severe threat to our medical advancements. The MAGA movement could potentially reverse decades of progress in public health and international cooperation. Cutting foreign aid and initiatives that help eradicate diseases abroad only sets the stage for future outbreaks.

The War on Science and Trust

The previous administration has aggressively targeted universities and scientific institutions, stifling research funding and limiting access to healthcare. This attack hasn't just been ideological; it directly affects medical research and public perception of science. Instead of learning from the pandemic, many are questioning vaccine efficacy and government guidance.

Facing a Sinister Future

These trends may not just be a setback; they could signal a shift back to a period where diseases flourish unchecked. It’s alarming to witness the rise of disinformation campaigns that undermine the fantastic strides we've made in public health.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

If we continue down this path, we may find ourselves in a world reminiscent of 1900, with increased disease and diminished trust in science. We must actively resist these regressive movements and safeguard the progress that has saved millions. It’s time to prioritize our health and knowledge over fear and misinformation—let's not make America sick again.