The trial of Dr. Michael Kirk Moore illustrates the synergy created when multiple players, including the state and federal governments, act in concert to jeopardize our health and safety. Let me elaborate. Dr. Moore allegedly administered “fake” vaccines, falsified vaccination records, and destroyed vaccine supplies — criminal actions that should jeopardize his license. Instead, Utah’s Sen. Lee, House Speaker Schultz and Rep. Lisonbee showed up at a protest in his support, asking the Department of Justice to drop charges. Attorney General Bondi gladly complied.
This is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broad pattern of actions and policies that are killing us softly, but not with love. In short, our Utah legislators, congressional delegation, and this administration are working hand-in-glove to gut public health infrastructure and individual health care access — actions that will cost lives.
Specific to Utah’s pandemic response, to which this incident is linked, the list of Utah missteps was long. Remember TestUtah’s faulty testing; blocked vaccine and mask mandates; and the promotion of hydroxychloroquine, an ineffective treatment? SB195 stripped health departments of crucial flexibility and authority to declare public-health emergencies. But misguided interference in our health care wasn’t limited to the pandemic, as the Legislature has also removed fluoride from our water, restricted access to reproductive health care, and worked to block Medicaid expansion.
Nationally, the Big Ugly Bill’s impact on Medicaid provides a glaring example of harmful policies, but DOGE’s success in undermining the function of multiple agencies has also jeopardized our health, safety, and national security. SS, FDA, CDC, HSS, NIH, and USAID are among the impacted agencies.
Dr. Moore’s case could be viewed in isolation — the canary in the coal mine. In reality, we are in need of disaster rescue and recovery efforts. Hold the perpetrators accountable. Our lives matter.
Ellen Brady, Issues director, Women’s Democratic Club of Utah, Murray
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