Trusting Charlatans Over a Century of Medical Science (w/ Dr. Michael Saag and Mayor Steven Reed)

This week, Josh and David tackle the dangerous resurgence of anti-vaccine rhetoric, connecting the dots between political polarization and public health crises. They kick off by dissecting a recent Supreme Court ruling on ICE detentions and critique the Trump administration's selective enforcement of the law, contrasting the focus on low-wage immigrants with the blind eye turned to white-collar crimes like those associated with Jeffrey Epstein. They argue that with failing economic promises, the administration is leaning on fear and hate as its primary political tools.Then, they welcome Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed to discuss the threat of using the National Guard for domestic policing in cities like D.C. and Chicago. Mayor Reed breaks down why this is a dangerous politicization of the military, a distraction from the administration's policy failures, and an ineffective approach to crime. He advocates for investing in community-based violence prevention and calls out the hypocrisy of targeting certain cities while ignoring systemic issues and other forms of crime, like human trafficking.Later, Dr. Michael Sagg, a renowned infectious disease expert from UAB, joins the show to provide a masterclass on vaccines. He demystifies the rigorous FDA and CDC approval process, explains the science behind mRNA technology, and debunks common misinformation. Dr. Sagg addresses the unfolding public health disaster in Florida, explains why vaccine mandates exist, and shares his frustration with the politically motivated attacks on science and the firing of dedicated public health officials.Finally, the hosts name RFK Jr. their Right Wing Nut of the Week for his role in spreading deadly disinformation, warning that his rhetoric and the policies it inspires will lead to preventable deaths from diseases once thought to be eradicated.RESOURCES & SOCIALS Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/alathisweek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW Like this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! Leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Send us a question or a voice recording to [email protected]. We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics. Make sure you include your name and the city or county where you live.ABOUT OUR SPONSORAlabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.Thumbnail photo via Gage Skidmore/Flickr