Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Idioitology of the Trump Administration's RFK Jr. In Attacking Our Citizen's Health

This blog is about our healthcare system. However, I’ll begin with my own experience with COVID-19 and Long Covid, share some of what I’ve learned, briefly touch on the Trump administration—and then dismantle the nonsense of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pretending to be an authority on anything.


Idiotology? OK, it's satire, but not unreal either. Take your pick:
  • Dumbocracy
  • Moronism
  • Ignorantism
  • Stupiditarianism
  • Quackosophy
  • Imbecurianism (play on imbecile + sectarian
Why do I feel that way? Things like this:

US health secretary calls leading medical journals such as Lancet ‘corrupt’ and pushes to create state-run alternatives

I first showed symptoms of COVID-19 on February 9, 2020—before we even knew what it was. Since then, I’ve had COVID two more times. I’ve gotten every shot and booster available. Throughout this, I’ve relied on my Veterans Administration healthcare, with some initial support from Medicare.

Over time, I’ve learned a great deal about both COVID and Long Covid. Once I was well enough to think clearly again, I remembered: I’m a writer. I was a senior technical writer and researcher. I realized I could share what I’d learned.

I’ve written about this before in a previous blog:


I've detailed all this in my book, Suffering Long Covid: Alleviating Symptoms & Just Maybe...Shortening Them - This is What happened What I experienced. What worked...for me. And, what really didn't. (2022, Revised 2024). I learned a lot about...a lot. Which led to my having "Long Covid" a few times, though one wonders if it ever really left (it has now). But it affected something I didn't even know I had, that we all have, the wonderful and dreadful, Vagus Nerve

I learned a lot about the Vagus Nerve and I've written about it on this blog. My cousin, my age within three months (younger) than me, had issues with that when coming off medication she'd been on for some years in a terrifying experience that mimics my own through Long Covid. 

I woke today hearing a report on NPR about Robert F Kennedy, Jr. the Trump administrations ridiculous 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services since February 2025:

RFK Jr. says COVID shots no longer recommended for kids, pregnant women

That was followed up by another report elsewhere. It's about the TACO trade:

Trump always chickens out’ trade is the talk of Wall Street. Here’s one way to play it.
Tariff threats may still offer near-term opportunity but won’t determine market’s next big move, strategist says

Donald Trump’s Politics of Plunder
The greed of the new Administration has galvanized America’s aspiring oligarchs—and their opponents.

What is going on in Washington DC? But healthcare isn't political. Right?

This IS about Covid here and in part, about my book on it, mostly, on long covid. Should you take the Covid shots and boosters. My take on this? Yes! Absolutely yes, as medical science indicates.

As for RFK Jr? He's pushing an ideology. We don't do that in medicine. We push research, data, results. He's essentially pushing internet memes.

Suffering Long Covid: Alleviating Symptoms & Just Maybe...Shortening Them - This is What happened What I experienced. What worked...for me. And, what really didn't, or "Suffering 'Long Covid': Alleviating My Long Covid Symptoms While Trying To Kill It" is a personal account by JZ Murdock detailing his experiences with COVID-19 and the subsequent long-term effects. The book outlines his background, the nature of the virus, and the various symptoms he endured, including fatigue, brain fog, and heart-related issues. Murdock emphasizes that his findings are based on his individual experience and should be discussed with a doctor before being implemented.


The book is structured around Murdock's personal journey, beginning with his initial infection in February 2020 and continuing through multiple reinfections and bouts of long COVID. He describes the challenges of diagnosis, the frustration of conflicting medical information, and the difficulty of finding effective treatments. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to remedies he explored, including medications like Valacyclovir, vitamin supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments. He stresses the importance of sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet in managing his symptoms.


The latter half of the book consists of Murdock's daily logs, offering a raw and detailed account of his physical and emotional state, fears and success, and failures, throughout his long COVID experience. These logs provide insights into his mental processes, the effectiveness of different treatments, and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. He also includes a reference section with links to research and personal resources.


The 2024 update includes recent findings on long COVID, such as the CDC's updated definition, the WHO's pandemic prevention plan, and various studies exploring symptoms, testing, and treatments. Murdock emphasizes the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing long COVID.


Overall, "Suffering 'Long Covid'" serves as a personal guide and resource for others experiencing similar symptoms, offering insights, practical advice, and a message of hope in the face of a challenging and often misunderstood condition. It highlights the complexity of long COVID and the importance of individualized approaches to treatment and management.

A December 2022 verified purchaser review on the Amazon page says this:

"As we enter our 3rd year of the COVID-19 Pandemic there are a variety of side effects being experienced by over25 million Americans from the over 100 million cases of COVID-19.

"The author provides excellent detailed observations and research into the symptoms he suffered during his personal experience with LONG COVD. Through the fatigue and other symptoms, you can gain insight into what you and your family may be experiencing.

I"t is a detailed quick read and he used his background as a researcher and writer to bring greater awareness and understanding to the LONG COVID condition.

"As someone who worked in epidemiology for 18 years I found this book to be an excellent resource of information.

Briefly I want to mention one update since the last revision of my book, regarding lysine.

Increasing intake of l-lysine seems to correspond to an improvement in various symptoms implying a potential connection between lysine's dietary effects and overall health, possibly including gut health mediated by the vagus nerve. While it's not explicitly stated, the gut's reaction to lysine could relate to how the vagus nerve adapts to changes in digestive function and gut biome, which in turn may affect broader health symptoms experienced by the author.

Getting back to RFK Jr. another Trump nightmare imposed upon the American people and by default, the rest of the world.


Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent actions and statements as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services are drawing significant international attention, particularly concerning public health policies.

Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)

On May 27, 2025, Kennedy, alongside Argentina's Health Minister Mario Lugones, announced their countries' withdrawal from the WHO, citing mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of independent, science-based leadership. They proposed forming an alternative global health alliance emphasizing scientific integrity and national sovereignty.

Changes to COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations

Kennedy has directed the CDC to remove COVID-19 vaccines from its recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. This decision, made without the usual advisory committee consultation, has raised concerns about increased vulnerability to COVID-19 in these populations and potential financial barriers to vaccine access.

Criticism of Medical Journals

Kennedy has proposed barring NIH-funded scientists from publishing in leading medical journals like The Lancet, NEJM, and JAMA, accusing them of pharmaceutical industry influence. He suggests creating new in-house journals under NIH control, a move that critics argue could undermine the credibility of publicly funded research.

"Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Initiative

Kennedy's MAHA initiative targets chronic illnesses by addressing factors like ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and overprescription of medications. While some public health experts acknowledge the need to tackle these issues, others criticize the initiative for promoting unproven theories and downplaying established scientific consensus, particularly regarding vaccines.

Global Repercussions

Kennedy's policies are causing concern among international health experts. His stance on vaccines and departure from the WHO could influence other nations' public health strategies, potentially leading to decreased vaccination rates and weakened global health cooperation.

In summary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health policies are prompting significant debate and concern on the global stage, with potential implications for international public health initiatives and collaborations.

To evaluate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s assertions against COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, it’s critical to listen to credible experts and institutions with a track record of scientific rigor, transparency, and public health responsibility. Here's who you should prioritize:


Trusted Sources to Listen To:

1. Independent Scientists & Medical Experts

  • Dr. Peter Hotez, vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine

  • Dr. Paul Offit, pediatrician and vaccine developer

  • Dr. Anthony Fauci (retired), former head of NIAID

These experts have no ties to pharmaceutical sales and have published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.


2. Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals

  • The New England Journal of Medicine

  • The Lancet

  • JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)

These journals require rigorous peer review and conflict-of-interest disclosure.


3. Public Health Institutions

  • World Health Organization (WHO)

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

They analyze massive global datasets and coordinate public health policies that have saved millions of lives.


4. Non-Partisan Fact-Checking Orgs

  • Health Feedback

  • Science Based Medicine

  • FactCheck.org’s SciCheck

These platforms evaluate scientific claims without political or financial agendas.


⚠️ Who Not to Rely On:

  • Celebrity activists without epidemiology or virology credentials

  • Politicians using fear or pseudoscience for political gain

  • "Alternative health" sites selling supplements or books promoting fear of mainstream medicine

  • YouTube or Substack personalities who cherry-pick or misrepresent data


RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine assertions have been widely debunked by scientific consensus, and his stance has alarmed public health experts worldwide. If his advice were followed globally, it could result in higher mortality, preventable suffering, and loss of herd immunity for multiple diseases—not just COVID.

Here’s a summary of key rebuttals to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claims about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, from credible scientific sources:


๐Ÿ”ฌ 1. Claim: COVID vaccines are dangerous or unnecessary

✅ Rebuttal:

  • Extensive clinical trials and real-world data (millions of participants worldwide) show mRNA vaccines significantly reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

  • Side effects are generally mild and temporary. Serious side effects are extremely rare and monitored closely by systems like VAERS and V-Safe.

  • Studies published in The Lancet, NEJM, and JAMA confirm vaccine safety and effectiveness.

๐Ÿ“š Source: CDC, WHO, European Medicines Agency, peer-reviewed studies.


๐Ÿงฌ 2. Claim: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity

✅ Rebuttal:

  • Natural infection can offer some immunity, but vaccine-induced immunity is safer and more consistent.

  • Hybrid immunity (vaccine + prior infection) is strongest. But relying on infection alone is riskier and more deadly, especially with newer variants.

๐Ÿ“š Source: Nature Medicine, Science, CDC.


๐Ÿ’‰ 3. Claim: Boosters are unnecessary or harmful

✅ Rebuttal:

  • Boosters restore waning immunity and are especially important for older adults and those with underlying conditions.

  • Updated boosters are designed to target newer variants, helping reduce breakthrough infections and hospitalizations.

๐Ÿ“š Source: FDA, CDC ACIP committee, international health agencies.


๐Ÿงช 4. Claim: Vaccine data is manipulated or suppressed

✅ Rebuttal:

  • Data is reviewed by independent advisory panels (e.g., VRBPAC, ACIP) with public meetings and recorded sessions.

  • Researchers across the globe publish vaccine efficacy and adverse event data freely—Kennedy ignores the transparent, collaborative nature of science.

๐Ÿ“š Source: FDA.gov, CDC.gov, global science press.


⚠️ 5. Claim: Vaccines are part of a government or pharma conspiracy

✅ Rebuttal:

  • This is a classic disinformation tactic—relying on distrust, emotion, and anecdote rather than data.

  • Kennedy frequently cherry-picks discredited studies, quotes them out of context, and ignores massive evidence to the contrary.

๐Ÿ“š Fact-checked by: Health Feedback, Snopes, Science Based Medicine, AP News.


๐Ÿง  Bottom Line:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine positions contradict the overwhelming consensus of global science. Following his advice would likely have led to millions more deaths. He’s been criticized by family members, top scientists, and health officials for spreading misinformation that endangers public health.

In the end, our healthcare system—and public trust in it—depends on facts, not fearmongering. My experience with COVID-19 and Long Covid taught me how vital science, credible expertise, and access to reliable care truly are. When figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spread misinformation under the guise of “health freedom,” they put lives at risk. We deserve leaders and policies grounded in reality, not conspiracy. Our health depends on it.


Compiled with aid of ChatGPT and MyReader AI

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