The MeidasTouch Podcast: Trump Woefully Unprepared for Next Pandemic…Again!!

Release Date: November 25, 2024

In the latest episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the pressing issue of pandemic preparedness in the United States, focusing particularly on former President Donald Trump's handling of potential health crises. The discussion is a blend of sharp political analysis, brotherly banter, and incisive commentary on current events, aligning with the podcast's reputation for supporting democracy through humor and serious discourse.

Rising Avian Flu Cases and Egg Prices

Ben Mycelius kicks off the conversation by addressing the surge in egg prices, attributing it to persistent avian flu outbreaks rather than corporate greed or general inflation. He criticizes both MAGA Republicans and mainstream media for scapegoating President Biden’s administration without addressing the underlying issues.

“CNN says this time it's avian flu and the holidays. Well, CNN, this particular kind of strand of constant outbreaks of avian flu, it's been going on for many, many years.”
– Ben Mycelius [00:41]

Ben highlights the impact of the H5N1 avian flu virus, citing its detection in California and its spread to nearly 500 herds across 15 states. He underscores President Biden's responsible handling of the situation, contrasting it with Trump's proposed appointments that could undermine pandemic response efforts.

Trump’s Potential Appointments and RFK Jr.'s Controversial Views

The discussion shifts to Donald Trump's intentions to appoint RFK Jr. to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Ben expresses deep concern over RFK Jr.'s past statements undermining the credibility of infectious disease research.

“RFK Jr. Who believes that like most infectious diseases are all hoaxes. He called H1N1 a hoax.”
– Ben Mycelius [00:41]

Ben criticizes the qualifications of Trump’s potential cabinet picks, including RFK Jr., who has publicly dismissed significant health threats like H1N1. This, Ben argues, poses a severe risk to the country’s ability to respond effectively to future pandemics.

Clint adds to the conversation by discussing the broader implications of compromised health organizations.

“The World Health Organization is even more captured than CDC is. The World Health Organization gets half of its budget from industry.”
– Clint [04:09]

Clint accuses major health bodies like the WHO and CDC of being influenced by pharmaceutical companies, suggesting that their integrity is compromised by industry funding.

Concerns Over Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Assault on Public Health Officials

The hosts critique Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent GOP figure, for her aggressive stance against public health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Ben plays a clip of Greene’s confrontational remarks, highlighting her efforts to delegitimize medical experts.

“You think that's appropriate? Do the American people deserve to be abused like that, Mr. Fauci?”
– Marjorie Taylor Greene [11:26]

Ben condemns Greene’s approach, emphasizing the detrimental effect such rhetoric has on public trust in health institutions.

Infectious Disease Response Under a Potential Trump Administration

Ben references Jerome Adams, Trump’s former surgeon general, who warns about the alarming rise in infectious diseases, including whooping cough and measles, and the looming threat of H5N1 avian flu.

“Whooping cough cases are up five times this year. 100,000 global measles deaths, mostly in kids. H5N1 steamrolling towards pandemic status.”
– Jerome Adams [06:37]

Ben argues that without a competent leadership in health agencies, spearheaded by figures like RFK Jr., the country is ill-equipped to handle future health crises.

Clint further elaborates on RFK Jr.'s conspiracy theories, emphasizing the dangers of sidelining scientific research.

“We're going to give drug development and infectious disease a break for about eight years and study chronic disease here.”
– RFK Jr. Clip [07:55]

This proposed moratorium on infectious disease research is portrayed as a misguided and perilous policy that could leave the nation vulnerable to pandemics.

RFK Jr.’s Conspiratorial Views on Technology and Economy

Clint shares a concerning viewpoint expressed by RFK Jr. regarding the use of quarantine measures to implement 5G technology and digital currency, framing them as tools for mass surveillance and control.

“It's not for you and me. It's for Bill Gates. It's for Jeffrey Zuckerberg. It's for Bezos and all of the other billionaires.”
– RFK Jr. Clip [08:36]

Ben uses this segment to highlight the fringe theories that are being promoted by potential leaders, stressing the importance of evidence-based policies in public health.

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Critique of Federal Agencies

Ben continues to dissect Greene’s rhetoric, illustrating her broader agenda to undermine federal agencies and redirect taxpayer funds.

“The federal government has been the worst abusers of the American's hard earned tax dollars and the American people's trust.”
– Marjorie Taylor Greene [12:27]

Ben warns that such positions could lead to the dismantling of essential health infrastructure, further endangering public health.

Expert Insights on H5N1 and Pandemic Preparedness

A medical expert is featured in the podcast to provide clarity on the nature of H5N1 and its potential to mutate into a more transmissible form.

“There are certain mutations that if the virus gets those mutations, it can better infect human cells and it can stabilize itself where we could see transmission between people.”
– Doctor [14:18]

This expert testimony underscores the real and present danger of avian flu strains evolving, reinforcing the need for robust pandemic preparedness.

Conclusion: The Critical Need for Functional Government

In wrapping up, Ben Mycelius emphasizes the necessity of a competent and functional government to manage public health effectively. He calls on listeners to educate themselves and others, advocating for responsible civic engagement to support democratic institutions.

“We have to be responsible adults. We owe it to our children and grandchildren and people in our life and communities and country and the world.”
– Ben Mycelius [15:05]

Ben concludes by urging the audience to subscribe and support the podcast, aiming to reach a wider audience to promote informed and responsible discourse on critical issues.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avian Flu and Egg Prices: Persistent avian flu outbreaks, particularly H5N1, are driving egg prices up, with the Biden administration managing the crisis more responsibly than the Trump administration.

2. Trump’s Appointments: Potential appointments like RFK Jr. to HHS raise significant concerns due to their questionable stances on infectious diseases and public health.

3. Public Health Undermined: Aggressive political figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene are actively undermining public health officials, eroding trust in essential health institutions.

4. Conspiracy Theories Threaten Public Health: Fringe theories linking pandemics to technological advancements (5G) and economic controls (digital currency) are gaining traction, posing a threat to rational public health policies.

5. Expert Warnings: Medical experts warn about the mutating H5N1 virus, highlighting the urgent need for effective pandemic preparedness and response strategies.

6. Call to Action: The podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting functional government institutions and encourages listeners to engage responsibly in democratic processes to safeguard public health.

Notable Quotes:

• “RFK Jr. Who believes that like most infectious diseases are all hoaxes. He called H1N1 a hoax.”
  – Ben Mycelius [00:41]

• “The World Health Organization is even more captured than CDC is.”
  – Clint [04:09]

• “You think that's appropriate? Do the American people deserve to be abused like that, Mr. Fauci?”
  – Marjorie Taylor Greene [11:26]

• “It's not for you and me. It's for Bill Gates. It's for Jeffrey Zuckerberg.”
  – RFK Jr. Clip [08:36]

• “We have to be responsible adults. We owe it to our children and grandchildren.”
  – Ben Mycelius [15:05]

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast serves as a critical examination of the current state of pandemic preparedness in the U.S., highlighting the dangers posed by unqualified leadership and the erosion of trust in public health institutions. Through detailed analysis and compelling discussions, the Meiselas brothers advocate for a stronger, more responsible governmental framework to protect public health and uphold democratic values.