A Surveillance State with a MAHA Movement

The rocky start of America’s 21st century has been bookended by two major crises: the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and the COVID-19 pandemic nearly two decades later. Each crisis has brought significant upheavals that have continued to wreak political and societal havoc long after the moment of crisis supposedly passed. Both events have also provided us with invaluable, albeit distressing, lessons about our identity as a nation.

After the tragic events of 9/11, which claimed the lives of 2,977 individuals, the government completely revamped societal norms, pushing for increased surveillance and reduced freedoms. This shift toward a more secure society—to protect against terrorism—had always been an underlying governmental aim, but now it was thrust into action. The measures that were introduced as temporary continue to resonate today. Interestingly, prominent Senate Democrats like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigned on promises to repeal the Patriot Act. Ironically, they later voted to extend it, with Obama himself signing additional extensions during his presidency. This back-and-forth between parties illustrates how the Overton Window shifted to normalize surveillance-state practices.

Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored a troubling trend: responses that often seem to counteract the aim of public health. Over a million Americans have died from COVID-19 as the government has enacted measures that could arguably make us more vulnerable to disease. This contrasted sharply with any proactive approach that might have been taken, reminiscent of absurd hypotheticals like establishing terrorist training camps at universities in the wake of 9/11.

The Post-COVID Shrug

Recent analyses have shown that implementing Universal Health Care could potentially be cheaper than the existing fragmented system and save approximately 70,000 lives each year. However, one must wonder why those in power seem indifferent. An alarming number of individuals have died unnecessarily from COVID-19, and there has been no resultant revolution or widespread accountability. The troubling thought arises: would the American public have reacted differently if the pandemic had disproportionately impacted wealthier demographics rather than marginalized communities?

Elon Musk’s comment that empathy is a political weakness seems to resonate when considering recent electoral outcomes. The Democratic Party, which traditionally advocates for empathy, suffered a crushing defeat in 2024, while the opposition’s message of contempt and resentment prevailed. Interestingly, this issue is not confined to one political party. The Biden administration, upon realizing the ongoing new COVID cases, adopted a strategy reminiscent of its predecessor: downplaying testing and reporting. If the numbers aren’t presented, who can say that the deaths are attributed to COVID-19? As the World Health Organization continues to monitor U.S. deaths from the virus, our own leadership seems willing to turn a blind eye.

Unlike the U.S., the U.K. conducted a thorough multi-year COVID inquiry under Boris Johnson’s administration, requiring testimony from politicians and scrutinizing government records to identify failures. Meanwhile, America has not shown a similar inclination to learn from its past, leading to observations that the U.S. is plagued by a collective amnesia, famously referred to by Gore Vidal.

COVID’s Role in the Turn Against Public Health

When we examine America’s response to COVID-19, it becomes clear that neither the left nor the right has pressed for stronger health protections. Astonishingly, vaccines, once a symbol of public health progress, have grown less popular. This decline is particularly troubling given the emergence of figures like RFK Jr. capitalizing on public distrust in conventional medical wisdom. His rhetoric has swayed voters who believe he champions health, despite his history of misinformation and dubious claims.

Moreover, a significant portion of Kennedy’s early initiatives were riddled with misinformation and unreliable data. His actions raise questions about the rigor and integrity that should underpin health policy.

The Biden administration, despite its flaws, lacks the chaotic zeal of Trump’s administration, which was eager to dismantle public health initiatives and propagate anti-science rhetoric. The current atmosphere surrounding public health is baffling; a significant portion of the public seems to support measures undermining vaccination and health protocols.

Indeed, people who felt disempowered during COVID lockdowns have gravitated toward the wellness myths peddled by figures like RFK Jr., seeking tangible instead of abstract solutions to their fears. The intersection of alternative health practices and public health has become increasingly contentious under the influence of the MAHA (“Make America Healthy Again”) movement, which aims to undermine confidence in established health policies.

The Consequences of the MAHA Movement

As proponents of MAHA promote personal responsibility for health, they also paradoxically divert attention from the need for systemic solutions like Medicaid and Medicare. The argument suggests that through diet, exercise, and miracle supplements, individuals could potentially sidestep the healthcare system altogether.

While the MAHA movement has gained traction, its long-term sustainability remains in question. Americans are beginning to scrutinize what they are truly being sold by Kennedy and his allies. However, the current political landscape suggests that public opinion may have little sway over an administration hell-bent on its agenda.

The surveillance that tightened its grip post-9/11 seems to have paved the way for a society increasingly tolerant of authoritarian measures. Our responses to COVID-19 have demonstrated a disturbing willingness to overlook preventable deaths, reflecting a shift that aligns more closely with dictatorial regimes than democratic values.

Senator Joni Ernst’s chilling response to constituents worried about Medicaid cuts—“Well, we’re all going to die”—personifies a broader political indifference toward the lives of everyday Americans. Unfortunately, she is not alone among her peers in conveying such apathy.

The trajectory of American healthcare and societal values, deeply affected by crises like 9/11 and COVID-19, compels a re-examination of national identity and ethical responsibility. The questions surrounding these issues are now more pressing than ever as we navigate a complex interplay of public health, personal responsibility, and societal values.