Debunking Arguments Against the Lab Leak Hypothesis

The OJ Simpson Analogy

The tactics used to argue against the SARS-CoV-2 lab leak theory are reminiscent of those employed by Johnny Cochran in the OJ Simpson trial. Cochran was adept at using emotion and misrepresentation of science to convince the jury of Simpson's innocence, despite significant evidence to the contrary. Similarly, it's astounding how certain scientists and politicians, who would have much to lose if a lab leak were confirmed, have managed to persuade many that there's no need to question the origins of SARS-CoV-2.

Public Opinion and the Lab Leak Theory

A recent LA Times column attempted to quash the lab leak debate, arguing that public health officials and institutions have been harmed by skewed public opinion, and that supporting the lab leak theory requires belief in a vast conspiracy. The column also claimed that there's no evidence to support the lab leak theory.

Early Dismissal of the Lab Leak Theory

At the beginning of the pandemic, Dr. Fauci, Dr. Collins, and their followers labelled the lab leak theory a "destructive conspiracy", asserting that it could harm the scientific community and international relations. This stance was taken before enough evidence had been gathered to make an informed judgement. Any perceived harm to these public health officials was therefore self-inflicted, resulting from their attempt to impose their views on others.

Lab Leaks: Not Unheard Of

It's worth noting that the less transmissible SARS-CoV-2 virus escaped from labs in three different countries in the early 2000s. Furthermore, a 2018 DARPA proposal revealed that US and WIV researchers had been isolating and genetically modifying bat coronaviruses to test their infectivity in humanized model systems, with the aim of developing preemptive vaccines against potential spillovers.

EcoHealth Alliance's Denial of Gain-of-Function Research

EcoHealth Alliance and its allies have gone to great lengths to deny the existence of their potentially dangerous gain-of-function research program. They even redefined the term to exclude their own research, which involved converting non-human-adapted bat viruses into human-adapted viruses.

China's Role and the Lack of Evidence

The Chinese government removed its virus genome database from the NIH server at the start of the pandemic and has continued to withhold evidence. This has made it easier for critics to dismiss the lab leak theory due to a lack of proof that WIV scientists were working on a precursor virus. However, the suspicious events that occurred in Wuhan at the start of the pandemic provide ample room for debate.

Dismissing the Lab Leak Theory: A Convenient Tactic?

The easiest way to dismiss the lab leak theory is to claim there's no evidence. Yet, there is strong evidence, especially when considering the suspicious behavior of the prime suspects. Despite this, the anti-lab leak crowd has been quick to suggest raccoon dogs as the natural source of SARS-CoV-2, based on traces of the virus found in stalls at the Wuhan market.

The Anti-Lab Leak Narrative

To accept the anti-lab leak narrative, we must believe that scientists routinely fall off roofs and that totalitarian regimes never lie or withhold information. We also have to accept that SARS-CoV-2, a chimera consisting of a bat virus backbone with pangolin virus receptors and a vital furin cleavage site, spontaneously emerged in one particular market near a lab known to be creating chimeric coronaviruses.

Weaponizing Misinformation and Disinformation

The LA Times article warned that misinformation and disinformation about the lab leak theory has been weaponized by individuals seeking financial or partisan gain. This raises questions about which side has been censored by social media platforms at the request of the Federal Government, and which side would be most affected by a ban on gain-of-function research.

Bottom Line

The narrative used to quell discussion about the origin of the virus makes even a master storyteller like Johnny Cochran seem like an amateur. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe there's merit to the lab leak theory, or do you side with those who vehemently deny it? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends, and don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.