David Frum on Trump, Infectious Disease, and Carl Schmitt's Political Theory

Erosion of Law and the TikTok Ban

• 🏛️ Donald Trump's repeated delays in enforcing the congressionally mandated TikTok ban exemplify a pattern of ignoring laws and eroding the foundation of constitutional government.
• 💰 This includes refusing to spend congressionally appropriated funds, claiming power to arrest without due process, and collecting revenue through tariffs without congressional approval.
• 🚫 The TikTok ban, passed by both houses of Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court, has been repeatedly delayed by Trump's executive actions, seemingly due to its benefit to his political campaign.

Humanity's Struggle Against Infectious Disease

• 🦠 For most of human history, infectious diseases were the primary cause of death, shaping life expectancy and even physical stature.
• 💡 Medical breakthroughs like vaccination, starting with smallpox in the late 18th century, and later antibiotics, have dramatically increased life expectancy.
• 📈 Despite progress, microbes constantly evolve, and historical diseases like measles have resurfaced due to factors like mistrust and misinformation.

The Politics of Vaccination and Public Trust

• 💉 Vaccines are a critical, multi-layered defense against infectious diseases, saving countless lives and enabling societal progress.
• 🗣️ Anti-vaccination sentiment has existed since the development of vaccines, often fueled by misinformation and amplified by public figures, as seen with the polio vaccine and more recently with measles.
• 🤝 Public trust is essential for public health, as decisions about vaccination and public health measures impact the entire community, not just individuals.

Measles: A Case Study in Resurgent Disease

• 📈 Measles, one of the most contagious diseases known, was nearly eradicated in the US but has returned due to declining vaccination rates and societal polarization.
• 🛡️ While measles is often mild in healthy individuals, it can be severe for vulnerable populations, making vaccination a crucial tool for herd immunity.
• 🌍 The resurgence of measles highlights how societal pathologies, like individualism and distrust, can undermine public health achievements.

Carl Schmitt and the Concept of the Political

• 🇩🇪 Carl Schmitt, a German philosopher, argued that the essence of politics is the distinction between friend and enemy, not community living.
• 🚫 His ideas, which reject liberalism and emphasize decisive action over discussion, have influenced modern authoritarian thinkers, particularly within the MAGA movement.
• 💥 Schmitt's concept of politics as the incitement of hatred and division within a society is seen as a driving force behind the current political climate in the United States.

Vulnerability of Scientific Institutions

• 🔬 Modern medical research and public health institutions are significant human achievements built on empiricism, collaboration, and long-term investment.
• ⚠️ These institutions are vulnerable to political polarization, which can undermine public trust and lead to a decline in preparedness for future pandemics.
• 📉 The current state of societal division and distrust leaves the US less prepared for the next pandemic than it was for COVID-19.