Sen. Johnson turns hearings into dog and pony show

As chairman of the United States Homeland Security Committee, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has a lot of power. Unfortunately, he is not using that power in ways that are helpful. This week, Johnson convened a meeting on the coronavirus, which could be helpful in determining how to best deliver the impending vaccine. Instead, he is turning it into a dog and pony show. Those invited to testify at the hearing include lead witness Dr. Jane Orient who has cast doubts on the coronavirus vaccines. Others on the panel are doctors who promote the use of a drug used to fight lice which the National Institute of Health recommends not be used. These so called experts offer theories that are at odds with the scientific community. He is giving a platform to those way outside the mainstream medical community, who are pushing conspiracy theories at a time when we should be coming together to fight the pandemic. As we approach the arrival of a vaccine, we should be encouraging people to take it, not taking a deep dive into a rabbit hole of toxic conspiracy theories. Sen. Johnson has a lot of power as chairman. It is too bad he is using that power to promote fringe viewpoints that may prove harmful.