“As you say, the development of “herd immunity” is essential in the absence of a vaccine, and we have to do it. ”
Great, but I think you are still missing my point:
Wearing of masks and social distancing among the healthy 85% of the population may actually be counterproductive to the natural process of developing herd immunity.
“...when I see things that absolutely contradict known science...”
The phrase “known science” is no better than “settled science”. Science is all about questioning - there is never a point where scientists stop questioning and say “There, it’s settled....now we know.” If someone is talking like that - he ain’t a scientist.
The jury is out on the matter of natural immunity vs. vaccines - and the anti-vaccine crowd isn’t a bunch of superstitious wackos - there is plenty of science on both sides.
One thing the anti-vaccine side doesn’t have is a profit motive. All the $$$$ incentives are with the pro-vaccine lobby, because you can take out a patent on a vaccine.
No, you're missing mine. Wearing masks and social distancing SLOWS DOWN the development of herd immunity, it doesn't stop it.
"Science is all about questioning - there is never a point where scientists stop questioning and say “There, it’s settled....now we know.” "
True, but incomplete. REAL SCIENCE goes with the best data. The "masks don't work" meme has NO real data that I have seen that was worth the electrons to put it on my screen. The "masks DO work" meme is played out every day in every hospital in the world (and many other places outside hospitals). "I" will go with the best data.