Samuel Case, FISM News
Over a year into the pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci remains a prominent force in American politics and life; completely upending social interactions through mask mandates, social distancing, and lockdowns.
Despite the initial 15 days to slow the spread, the country remains in COVID limbo with no clear end in sight. Even with half of adults in the U.S. having been vaccinated with at least one shot, Fauci is unwilling to say when or if anyone, even those inoculated, can take off the mask and get on with their lives.
Last week Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) challenged Dr. Fauci’s continued push for restrictions; asking the doctor “when is the time” Americans can live their lives normally and what specific “metrics” the country needs to meet to open up.
Fauci said when the level of infection is “very low” restrictions can be eased, but that he doesn’t view the situation in terms of lost liberty but as “a public health emergency.” Jordan retorted that core rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly have been trampled during the pandemic. The congressman grew increasingly frustrated with Dr. Fauci, as he never answered with specific data sets for when the country can reopen.
Watch the full exchange:
Dr. Anthony Fauci and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) raised their voices over each other during a tense discussion about when COVID restrictions will end — concluding with Rep. Maxine Waters telling Jordan to “shut your mouth.”
Watch the full exchange: pic.twitter.com/cUh9lpR3yZ
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 15, 2021