OPINION:
With an influx of omicron-COVID-19 cases occurring, the Biden-Harris administration is becoming eager to shut down our nation again with the misconception that this will solve our nation’s health issues. Under President Biden, however, our entire nation’s confidence has been shaken. Prices for food, gas and countless consumer goods are skyrocketing. Medical costs are through the roof.
When will Mr. Biden and other government officials move beyond the restriction of citizens’ liberties and focus on real problems in our own backyard?
As a local family physician in Cheraw, South Carolina, I have seen first-hand COVID-19’s effect in the ICU and the community. I find it disappointing to see a medical professional like White House Chief Medical Adviser Anthony Fauci continue to change his medical advice, especially when the advice is not based on evidence-based studies.
Yes, we take COVID-19 seriously, but we should not ignore other life-altering issues that also cost people their livelihoods. While the shutdowns have shown minimal benefit regarding the spread of COVID-19, they harm the economy in numerous ways. The shutdown theory leads citizens to believe net-zero cases of COVID-19 are possible.
Along with the rise of COVID-19 cases is the rapid climb of inflation. Gas costs are up 60% from where they were a year ago, and not far behind is the 21% increase in the price of meat. While on the subject of current affairs destroying our economy, the number of illegal border crossings and fentanyl deaths are at historic levels. Former President Donald Trump had each of these issues controlled, and the Biden administration only needed to not get in the way. Mr. Biden chose politics over the well-being of our country.
As stated, Mr. Biden has failed to focus on multiple other issues, specifically our open borders. In April 2021, border patrol encountered over 400,000 illegal immigrants flooding into our country without being checked for signs of COVID-19, criminal records or countless illicit drugs. This is an everyday occurrence with no end in sight if the democratic party has a say. Mr. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Fauci want to lock us in our home and force mask mandates while illegals stomp on the welcome mat this administration placed along the border.
Let’s be very clear, another round of mandated shutdowns will only continue to burden American families. Small businesses, the cost of goods and the quality of education of our youth have shown us who really suffers the most. We have every reason to believe that after delta and omicron, there will be additional variants to follow no matter how many times Dr. Fauci tells someone to get boosted.
Sometimes in life, there are blessings in disguise. Omicron appears to rapidly move through the population, with most showing mild cold-like symptoms. If this continues to hold true, there is a potential to gain protection from other COVID-19 strains by contracting this strain. Only time will tell.
I believe a refocus on other issues like how the historic health care changes accomplished by Mr. Trump would better serve our country. Life-saving policy changes such as prescription costs, allowing Americans to access better doctor coverage across rural America, and leading improvements to our veterans’ health care choices would all have an immediate impact on the quality of American lives. These health care changes would do more for our nation’s COVID-19 recovery than lockdowns ever could. Moving into the new year, this must focus on the American people if we want to see what real change looks like.
In 2022, we need local and state governments to not be afraid of fighting unconstitutional mandates and restrictions. We must get back to the real issues affecting families and small-town communities across this nation. I encourage everyone to practice smart hand washing techniques, stay home if they are sick, and talk with their doctor about COVID-19 prevention.
Let us return to our American roots of pro-freedom, pro-family by listening to South Carolina and putting America first.
• Dr. Garrett Barton is a board-certified family physician in the PeeDee Region and a congressional candidate in South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District. Dr. Barton and his wife, Dr. Kinzie Barton, live in Cheraw, S.C., with their young son.
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