Comments by "Toby" (@toby9999) on "Reality Check: A Conversation with David Wallace-Wells (Episode #365)" video.

  1. Contrary to popular (flawed) opinion, Sweden implemented a much more conservative response to the pandemic than many other Western countries. It should go without saying that when a population takes on board recommendations to stay home, wear masks, and other sensible precautions, the level of death and disease will be reduced. Sweden is such a case, and to a significant degree, their limited success was in part cultural. That said though, even though Sweden is held up by MAGA types as proof that covid restrictions were unnecessary, they're wrong. Sweden did poorly when compared to countries that did lock down. The Swedish approach would never have worked in my country (Australia) anyway. People here are typically too individualistic, not giving a toss, hence tougher enforcement was necessary. We saw that play out when mask wearing became a recommendation instead of being mandatory... 90% stopped wearing them immediately. I still wear masks in indoor crowds because I like being well. Since I began wearing masks in crowds, my occurrences of serious respiratory illnesses and lung infections has reduced from six or more annually to only one or two.
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  2. The Four Horseman thing is how I discovered Sam Harris. And even though there are things I've disagree with, I keep coming back.
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  3. Your comments about health policies... not really.
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