Governors and mayors across the country are relaxing or ending public health protections even as the risk looms large for increased transmission and a fourth surge of the coronavirus. The most jaw-dropping examples have been in Texas and Mississippi, where the governors have ended just about every restriction and public health protection, including mask requirements. Read more >
Derrick's Latest Posts

Masking the Danger: States Dismantle COVID-19 Safety Protocols at Our Peril
March 16, 2021 1:15 PM EDT

500,000 US COVID-19 Deaths and Counting: A Shameful Public Health Failure
February 17, 2021 4:25 PM EDT
Our nation’s failed response to COVID-19 should long perforate our pomposity about being the greatest nation on earth. Read more >

The Environmental Justice Movement Moves Front and Center in the Biden Administration
January 22, 2021 9:26 AM EDT
The voice of environmental justice, once lonely in the wilderness of systemic racism, is now helping shape President Biden’s cabinet with nominees pledging to restore environmental and public health protections dismantled by the previous administration. Read more >

Having Faith in Science: Why Loving Thy Neighbor Means Refraining from In-Person Worship
December 18, 2020 2:14 PM EDT
As much as the Constitution guarantees religious freedom in the United States, it is hard to imagine a compassionate god approving of freedom that comes with the sacrifice of souls at the altar. Read more >

Fighting the Pandemic Can’t Wait for Inauguration Day
November 12, 2020 4:40 PM EDT
Science to fight COVID-19 is returning to the White House, but with only moral authority at Biden’s command for now, it is on the nation to unify around the science at hand to control the virus. It starts by treating the simple object of a mask as our momentary American flag. To fight this virus we must be indivisible, where individual liberties must concede to the health of all. If we do not, Inauguration Day will be far grimmer than it should be. Read more >