Rand Paul says if you've been vaccinated, mask wearing is just giving comfort to others.

[Siwsan]

Even if that was accurate, why would that be a problem? I have zero problem with giving comfort to others.

Despite now having received both of my Pfizer jabs, I'm going to continue to wear a mask to protect myself, and others. Just the possibility that I could still catch any variant of the virus, perhaps be asymptomatic, and risk passing it on to someone not yet vaccinated is enough to keep me masked when I'm out and about.

Seriously - giving comfort and taking care is NOT theater for anyone with an ounce of compassion. I don't even want to think about what it would have been like to have been a patient of Rand Paul's.

[True Blue American]

1. Paul told Dr. Fauci

“ It is just theater!” Dr. Fauci corrected him strongly. For an eye doctor Paul is really ignorant about Science.

[FreepFryer]

2. Typical idiot selfish libertarian

How does the 90-year old you walk by maskless and carefree know u r vaccinated, and not just an asshole Rand Paul voter who doesn’t give a fuck about anyone but himself?

Fuck that guy.

[soothsayer]

3. Rand Paul is just giving comfort to the enemy.

He’s an idiot.

[Tanuki]

4. Far be it from Rand Paul to set a good example for anyone. Moreover,

even the most effective of the covid vaccines are only 95% effective at preventing the disease, so masks are definitely still called for while it is still circulating in the population.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

5. Rand Paul is a dumbass!

Last edited Fri Mar 19, 2021, 08:43 AM - Edit history (1)

I've met plenty of medical doctors in the past who were horrible at critical thinking! I worked around them a lot as a graduate research assistant in college, doing statistical analysis for them.

Some of them were very logical thinkers, but I don't think that's most important for a medical degree. The ability to memorize seems to receive much more focus.

Edit: And several of the medical doctors were pretty arrogant too, like they were at the pinnacle of academic achievement. Meanwhile, I'd secretly think, "I'm certain that all of my math and physics professors could have become medical doctors too, if they had chosen to pursue it, but YOU would never earn their PhD's because the schools aren't going to wait 30 years until you finally get it!" I never said that to them, of course.

[Walleye]

6. I don't get the mask backlash.

We knew why trump was against them, because it made him look bad. He’s gone now. People don’t wanna wear a mask that’s one thing, but why on earth would they object to other people wearing them?

[Claire Oh Nette]

51. Fear

The anti maskers deep down fear the virus. They're terrified they'll get it, or someone they know. However, they won't permit themselves to show fear, aka weakness, so they minimize and downplay the virus. THis is what the former guy did, too. He was afraid of the virus because he knew he had no fecking clue as to how to protect us, or how to ramp up for that kind of emergency. So, he down plays it, for himself and for his followers.

They won't wear masks in the face of variants because they'd be admitting they were wrong at this point. It's digging in behind wishful, fearful thinking to project a tougher than thou image. It's posturing of the most juvelile, locker room style.

The group most resistant to the vaccines is the Republican male, who, any more is the non-college educated white male. The same asshats who were Constitutional scholars during the Kavenaugh hearings, were suddenly virologists and immunologists overnight when the virus hit, who suddenly became experts in arcane electoral college knowledge.

I've only been masked up once when someone made an issue out of it--too close, dick nose. Even after I'd explained the penis out of underwear analogy, the guy wanted to say, oh, he'd been tested, he didn't have it (this was last April or May). I said "that's great, my doctor says he doesn't think I'm still contagious..." and I coughed and hacked. He masked up right quick after, and made noises about Australia and some such nonsense.


Let them infect each other. Cull enough of them, we'll win in congress for the rest of my lifetime.

[Walleye]

54. That explains it. They are also afraid to admit to the existence of racism

[PCIntern]

7. Rand Paul is what you get when you mate a worm and a ferret.

[Scrivener7]

20. And give it a toupee.

[lastlib]

46. Ferrets resent that

and worms aren't real thrilled about it either.

[Liberal In Texas]

8. Apparently he can't understand people not being selfish. Selfish is the Randian way.

Both him and Ayn. And it is a tenet of the repub party.

[msfiddlestix]

9. I noticed people referring to Rand Paul as a Physician

Reporters, pundits and others. I could swear he was a "Dentist".. I put that in quotes, Dentists had to receive a Medical Education, be knowledgeable about basic medicine. But I'm wondering if he actually earned his credentials/degrees? Or did he buy them?

If he practiced his "profession" as a Dentist, didn't he wear a mask while attending his patients? Mask wearing in Dentistry has been operative for decades as a protective against a manner of viruses, and of course with AIDS epidemic.

I'm just curious if he even went to medical school or practiced Dentistry in real life.

[Deminpenn]

11. IIRC, Paul is an opthamologist

not a dentist.

[msfiddlestix]

24. Yes, I was mistaken.

Looked at Snopes AFTER I posted. sheesh. my bad.

[Siwsan]

19. He's a physician who started his own certification board.

He was board certified in ophthalmology, in 1995 but when it came time to recertify he threw a hissy. Previous to 1992, the board certification was considered a 'lifetime' certification but anyone certified after that had to apply for recertification very 10 years. For some reason, he thought that to be egregious. So, he started his OWN certifying board. He ended up with far less than 100 members and he dissolved the board in 2000, recreated it in 2005, with no better success, and finally ended the charade in 2011.

I'd love to see a NPDB report on his practice. (National Provider Data Base). They list all malpractice filings - pending, paid and dismissed.

[msfiddlestix]

23. Right. I just performed a Snopes Fact Check after I posted.

Should have done that first. My bad.

Snopes confirms what you said, but it's much more egregious. The Board he created is composed of his own Family members as well as others who do not recertify their licenses. He's a complete FRAUD. I too would love to see a listing of malpractice reports on his practice.

I began to wonder if anyone who wanted to pretend to be a valid medical practitioner, they could do so freely in the state of Kentucky.

But apparently the State of Kentucky does not recognize his Board in good standing. I'm surprised to read that he is allowed to practice anywhere in the world, which he claims to do.

It also appears there is a great deal of inquiry into his "medical" background per indications on Snopes.

[Siwsan]

28. When I used to credential physicians, this situation was a 'teaching' opportunity

We'd have physicians trying to pass off whonky board certifications from all sorts of associations but this one was the most glaring.

A lot of hospitals and insurance plans now require board certification through either the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association for MDs and DO. The number of physicians who are still practicing from pre-board cert requirement era are few and far between.

People have to be REALLY CAREFUL when researching a physician, before making an appointment. If their board is issued from someplace other than the AOA or the ABMS, I'd put that physician in the questionable pile. You can check a MD's board certification via the ABMS site: https://www.certificationmatters.org/find-my-doctor/

Unfortunately, I don't think the AOA has the same information available to the public.

[msfiddlestix]

29. Are wonky medical board associations wide spread?

If so, it sort of seems to me that these would be cases for fraud. Aren't these violations of law?

[Siwsan]

30. Not so much, now

I started credentialing back in the early 90's. We had a 'grandfathering' clause for any physicians already contracted with the plan.

Some physicians were 'certified' by organizations not affiliated with the AOA or ABMS. There was a family practice 'board' that came up, on occasion. If the physician was already contracted with us, it was a non issue. And, as time went on, the situation came up less and less because pretty much everyone was requiring they either be actively 'board eligible' or certified via those fully recognized organizations.

And I don't think any of these associations are illegal. They just aren't recognized by the industry, as a whole. We had the same thing happen with podiatrists. As I recall, there were 2 boards that were recognized and a 3rd that wasn't. I really don't know how they distinguished between them.

I will say that that the most interesting, and FRIGHTENING, part of my job was reviewing malpractice histories. Well, that and picking up the paper to see the name of one of our contracted physicians having been arrested for child sexual abuse. That happened twice, actually and both were pediatricians.

[msfiddlestix]

59. jeezze!! that must have felt shocking!

But mostly really creepy. were you able to access malpractice filings against that fraud sitting in the Senate?



Seems like from reading Snopes there have been volume of searches digging in to his medical practice. He's a well connected self centered asshole but he's not a complete moron. I get the feeling he's covered all his tracks and bases fairly well. Well enough off to have a team of lawyers on his payroll. Some one with Covid should make their acquaintance with the Fraudulent Senator.

[Siwsan]

60. We could only get NPDB reports for the physicians we were credentialing

Personally, I think that information SHOULD be made public (minus identifiable patient data, of course).

[msfiddlestix]

62. hmm. seems like someone in a position with access could leak it.

but i guess that would really be risky. jobs, legality etc.

[Sgent]

65. Until the late 90's

your never had to recertify unless you in family medicine -- everyone else was given a lifetime certification. In the 90's they changed the situation so to remain certify you had to retake your board exams and send in case reports, attend continuing ed, etc. for all specialties. This could be a real problem for someone like a cardiac electrophysiolist who programs pacemakers and ablates cardiac nerves all day but hasn't looked at the treatment of diabetes or pneumonia since residency, since cardiologists are technically internal medicine subspecialists.

They eventually ironed out a lot of this, but although there are still some square pegs / round holes.

[msfiddlestix]

66. I'm baffled primarily by Paul's attitude towards wearing masks as an important preventive

I can't wrap my mind around the notion that any individual in any field of Medicine would argue the point, and actively dismiss with derision and contempt. It made me wonder if he even studied medicine. It makes me wonder if he ever wore a mask while with a patient performing procedures of any kind. Especially since the Aids epidemic, it became standard practice to wear a mask while performing procedures. But not for him?

I would suggest any doctor dismissing the need for masks during this pandemic would be malpractice. And license should be revoked.

I read that he still practices all over the world. Really?

[mucifer]

10. paul was looking for a soundbite for his political ads and he got it he doesn't care about

people's lives

[Vinca]

12. I don't know that they've determined positively that vaccinated people are totally unable to

transmit the virus. A vaccinated person might have virus in their nose and not get sick, but would be capable of giving it to an unvaccinated person. That's why the CDC issued guidelines about how to gather in small groups - 2 vaccinated people don't have to wear masks, but 2 vaccinated people and 2 unvaccinated people together require masks. Rand Paul's brand is being a total, unmitigated dick. I have no idea what medical school he claims to have graduated from, but they should rescind his degree.

[vlyons]

13. Ayn Rand wouls be S0 disappointed if you actually had compassion

and gave a hoot about the well-being of others

[joetheman]

14. I think Rand needs to read the latest research studies on this.

Six months and all bets are off.

[Renew Deal]

15. We're stuck with masks probably into the end of the year.

It’s a small price to pay to keep people healthy and especially those that can’t get shots right now or even later (kids)

[ananda]

16. With the variants still out there, I would continue masking...

and using safe practices.

These early vaccines are not sophisticated enough to deal with
the variants.

[CottonBear]

17. I wish Duke University would rescind his medical degree. n/t

[smirkymonkey]

18. I really fucking hate that guy.

Seriously.

[Jilly_in_VA]

45. I've stopped using the word "dick"

to describe these types. I now use "johnson". (Ron, you know)

[CentralMass]

21. His real proffesion is being an asshole.

[Hotler]

22. I sure wish his neighbor would kick his ass again. nt.

[msfiddlestix]

25. Don't know if it's true, but I read his neighbor moved after the assault

I believe I read he faced assault charges, and I'm not sure what to him after that, but I read he moved.

Should have been the reverse, imo.

[smirkymonkey]

58. That guy is my fucking hero!

[GoCubsGo]

26. Randal is a moron and a sociopath.

I don't understand why he gets so much press attention.

BTW, his wife started the "Rand" thing. He wasn't named after Ayn Rand. It's a lazy "Randy."

[LetMyPeopleVote]

27. Rand Paul is an idiot

[YoshidaYui]

31. Rand Paul like many of the other Republicans

Would not have even given out checks to poor folk when they needed, they would have pocketed the money for themselves. Republicans are ASSHOLES. Maybe, more accurately , a MaskHOLE.

[usaf-vet]

34. I thought to myself.....RIGHT!?.... when he said pay people to get vaccinated... he would be the....

..... first one to step forward and oppose that plan.

A plain loud mouth ill-informed bully.

[YoshidaYui]

38. They are more than the opposition party...

They are truly against this government operating under Democrats at all, and if had their way, would have made TRUMP a Dictator. Every fucking one of them have been undermining the will of the American People.

[IronLionZion]

32. These assholes only care about themselves

and don't give a shit how their actions impact anyone else around them

[Jarqui]

33. Rand Paul is an ignorant idiot

New study:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/study-covid-19-reinfection_l_60533d0dc5b6f93a1d04a8d4

people ages 65 and older are far more likely than younger individuals to experience repeat infection.
...
For those 65 and under, getting the coronavirus once provided roughly 80% protection against reinfection. But for people 65 and older, it provided only about 47% protection against getting COVID-19 again, further highlighting how dangerous this disease can be for older adults.

You couple that with what seems to be coming down the pipe - nastier variants that many are predicting will cause another surge - and it should become clear on how irresponsible and ignorant Rand Paul's remarks are - coming from someone masquerading as a medical doctor.

[The Jungle 1]

35. I have two good republican friends

We pick on each other and lie to each other like guys do. So we are never really sure what each others positions really are.

I have been having fun pointing out that the red states have much higher COVID death rates. You know because of the no maskers and anti vaccine loons.
Then I tell then I am good with how this is going and the plan is working.

The second line I have been using is how we should allow all our American friends to come. I even point out how our southern neighbors were American's for thousands of years before we got here.

So the plan is working and we have mass immigration of new Democratic voters.

Exploding heads anyone.
Just for the record they hold their own. This is not one sided although it is two against one. It is just with the treason thing I have a very useful hammer that wins most discussions. What is great is we have that line forever.

[twodogsbarking]

36. Ru Paul is the only one in the family that is any good.

I intend to wear my mask indefinitely. Didn't get a cold or flu crap at all this year.

[bedazzled]

52. i feel the same way

[piddyprints]

37. I'm getting my first dose this morning.

And I will happily wear a mask after my second dose, even if he’s right (he’s not) and all it does is give comfort to others. I will happily do this small thing so others can feel comfortable. WTF is wrong with people like him?

[zed nada]

39. If Rush Limbaugh could get a Medal from the president....

...for some subjective assessment of his public service, then why not Rand Paul's neighbor? Just wondering..

[bucolic_frolic]

40. Rand's hair is not theater?

[flibbitygiblets]

48. Bwaaah!!!

[marble falls]

41. Even if that crap was true: what's wrong with comforting others or showing solidarity with ...

... my fellow Americans in the middle of a Pandemic we only very recently have gotten the beginnings of relief from?

[bronxiteforever]

42. Rand Paul is a walking malpractice suit. N/t

[Paladin]

43. If you take health advice from Paul, you deserve what you get.

Just stay the hell away from me and my loved ones, until Dr. Fauci says it's OK.

[cayugafalls]

44. Rude Paul is just another white male christian who thinks Jesus punched people and took names,

rather than giving comfort to the poor, the sick and those cast out by society.

Fake asshole is a fake asshole.

[karynnj]

47. Beautifully said - and it is a small thing to do to possibly help the community

Beyond the altruistic reasons, there are reasons that everyone wearing a mask benefits fully vaccinated people as well as everyone else. Life can not go to any new normal remotely close to our ability to move freely that we took for granted in 2019 unless the virus is gone or at very low levels. There is also a more personal reason, if there is still a high level, the virus will very likely continue spinning off variants - and it is possible that one or more of them could be worse and/or the vaccine will not protect people.

[flibbitygiblets]

49. I can see where this "post-vaccination maskless" trend is going

There are probably god-know how many a-holes out there right now saying they don't need to wear a mask because they've been vaccinated. (whether true or not). These are the types who will go to the trouble of faking a vaccination card just to be a contrarian jerk.

(I actually met someone yesterday who "helpfully" told me where I can go online to get mask-exemption card. I let him know I wouldn't be needing such a card because I have every intention of protecting myself and those around me BECAUSE I AM NOT A SELFISH LOSER.)

[Kid Berwyn]

50. I used to think Ben Carson is the stupidest doctor on the face of the earth.

Then spoke the self-certified asswipe, Rand Paul.

[634-5789]

53. Same here, still avoiding crowds of any size, still wearing a mask.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

55. Rand Paul is an asshole

[Ilsa]

56. Rand Paul is a reincarnation of "Ayn Rand", or so his father tried to

impress upon him. Selfishness is a virtue, compassion is unnecessary, per those believers of the atheist.

[joetheman]

61. Yes.

[LizBeth]

57. "why would that be a problem?" Right. I told nurse when I got the shot will wear for solidarity and

the way people behave politicizing wearing the mask it is important for the whole. Now, could get a strain but not concerned about that. More to be one with the mass to help out a little. Others do not have to guess if someone really vac.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

64. You're and ophthalmologist, and I don't need glasses to see you're an assh*le.

Link to tweet

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

67. Many Republicans see no value in kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, consideration

for others, and lack empathy.

Some are afflicted with this unfortunate, debilitating state of consciousness more than others.

Rand Paul seems to wear it on his sleeve like a badge of honor.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

68. This makes me smile