My columns about COVID over the past year have concentrated on explaining the science, how science informs policy decisions and the problem of disinformation. I have avoided placing political blame, but recent events have pushed me to place the blame squarely where it belongs. The rampant spread of vaccine disinformation in the New Hampshire Republican leadership, led by the libertarian free-stater wing, leads to bad policy decisions.

In 2021, the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, on which I serve, considered a number of very bad bills filed by the Free Staters that were poorly thought out in terms of the implications on health care and public health. Rep Bill Marsh (D-Brookfield), who recently left the Republican Party, and I collaborated to either kill these bills or make them reasonable. We are greatly indebted to Rep. Marsh for his diligent work last year as a Republican to reach compromises to help us protect our public health in New Hampshire.

(2) comments

Scott Shallcross

Thank you. It's time that people start to wake up.

anitadburr

Bravo Dr. Knirk. It's time that moderate Democrats, Republicans, and Independents come together to disenfranchise a radical movement that is threatening New Hampshire values.

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