Photo: courtesy of Democracy Now!
The United States confirmed more than 74,000 new coronavirus cases Thursday and over 900 new deaths. Michigan’s largest hospital system is nearing capacity with over 90% of beds filled — with suburban Detroit reporting some of the highest rates of infection in the U.S.
On Capitol Hill, Republican Congressmember Jim Jordan got into a heated conversation with senior White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci — accusing him of seeking to deprive Americans of their liberties by promoting mask mandates and social distancing.
Rep. Jim Jordan: “What standard, what objective outcome do we have to reach before — before Americans get their liberty and freedoms back?”
Dr. Anthony Fauci: “You know, you’re indicating liberty and freedom. I look at it as a public health measure to prevent people from dying and going to the hospital.”
Rep. Jim Jordan: “You don’t think Americans’ liberties have been threatened the last year, Dr. Fauci? They’ve been assaulted! Their liberties have.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci: “I don’t look at this as a liberty thing, Congressman Jordan. I look at this” —
Rep. Jim Jordan: “Well, that’s obvious!”
Dr. Anthony Fauci: — “as a public health thing.”
