In a candid admission last week, former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told Congress that the coronavirus lab leak theory is s potentially credible, a shift from his 2021 view where he labeled it a ‘distraction.’
Lab Leak Theory: Fact or Fiction?
His statement came during a private, intensive 7-hour session with the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, mirroring comments made by Dr. Anthony Fauci, the well-known face of America’s COVID-19 response.
Reevaluating the Theory
The committee’s chair, Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, summarized Collins’ interview, emphasizing that Collins echoed Fauci’s acknowledgment of the lab leak hypothesis not being just a conspiracy theory.
Vaccine Hesitancy Concerns
In Wenstrup’s summary released last Wednesday, he also referred to Fauci’s concerns about the potential rise in vaccine hesitancy due to the previously endorsed policies and mandates.
Lab Leak “Not a Conspiracy”
Wenstrup, after his conversation with Dr. Collins last Friday, stated, “Dr. Collins agreed with Dr. Fauci’s concession that the COVID-19 lab leak hypothesis is not a conspiracy.”
Collins Accused of Wordplay
Additionally, the congressman accused Collins of ‘mincing words’ in an attempt to obscure the NIH’s role in funding gain-of-function research in Wuhan.
Shaping COVID Narrative
Dr. Collins, who served as Fauci’s superior from 2009 to 2021 during his NIH tenure, joined in advocating for a critical scientific paper that shaped the narrative, suggesting Covid originated naturally and dismissing the idea of gain-of-function research as the cause.
Similar Views
His responses mirrored those of Dr. Fauci, who endured a marathon 14-hour interrogation the previous week, during which he eventually admitted that the lab leak theory should not have been easily dismissed.
Similar Defense Tactics
Wenstrup added, “This wordplay mimics Dr. Fauci’s profuse defense of his previous Congressional testimony, where he claimed the NIH did not fund gain-of-function research in Wuhan.”
Joint Effort Against Lab Leak
According to reports, Collins informed the subcommittee that Dr. Fauci had invited him to join a conference call on February 1, 2020, which led to the publication of ‘Proximal Origin.’
This publication aimed to criticize and discredit the lab leak theory.
Alarming Findings
Wenstrup commented, “This testimony directly contradicts Dr. Fauci’s previous statements and raises further concerns about the U.S. government’s role in suppressing and vilifying the lab leak hypothesis.”
The Six-Feet Rule Questioned
In agreement with Fauci, Collins raised concerns about the scientific rationale behind the six-feet social distancing guideline. He also reaffirmed his previous objections to the Great Barrington Declaration, which promoted the protection of vulnerable populations and advocated for fewer restrictions on young and healthy Americans.”
Herd Immunity Concerns
In December 2021, Collins garnered significant attention when the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis revealed an email he had sent. In the email, he expressed serious concerns about the herd immunity strategy advocated by what he called ‘fringe epidemiologists.’
No Backtracking
Collins, speaking to Fox News’ Bret Baier at that time, refused to apologize for his words and contended that had the U.S. adopted that strategy, hundreds of thousands of lives would have been lost.
Standing Firm
“I did write that, and I will stand by that,” Collins stated. “Basically, these fringe epidemiologists who really did not have the credentials to be making such a grand sweeping statement were saying just let the virus run through the population and, eventually, then everybody would have had it, and everything will be okay.”
The 14-Hour Fauci Session
The interview with Collins followed the House subcommittee’s extensive 14-hour session with Fauci on January 8 and January 9, where they delved into his significant role during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Wuhan Investigation Continue
Chairman Wenstrup’s committee is currently conducting an investigation into whether government officials, Fauci included, actively discouraged investigations into the Wuhan lab leak possibility.
More from AllThingsFinance: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Samuel Lazar sentenced for Jan. 6 insurrection; previously confidential case now revealed: Court Finally Unseals Secretive Case of Jan 6 Offender
Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Jack Smith urges Judge Aileen Cannon for a speedy trial in a classified documents case involving ex-President Trump: Jack Smith continues pushing Judge Cannon, reminding her that “the speedy trial clock” is ticking
Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
Kari Lake loses First Amendment right to accuse Maricopa County recorder; Arizona Republic ponders if she’s channeling Rudy Giuliani in her sleep : Defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake advances while people compare her to Rudy Giuliani
More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
In Pennsylvania, a significant number of registered Democrats flipping is sending an unflattering signal to President Biden: More Democrats are flipping in a crucial swing state than Republicans
