I don't think it reflects well on our society and its values where someone has to resign over a misjudgement that has little to do with their ability and skill in their role. I agree 100% that he was foolish and made an error of judgement but I don't see how removing an acknowledged world-leading expert in his field at a critical time in the pandemic is anything but negative.
Nor do I think the label 'hypocrisy' is correct in this case: it seimoly does not fit the definition of the word at all. Definition: 'Hypocrisy is the contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character traits or inclinations'. Sorry, but that is not what he has done.
A lapse of judgement is a lapse of judgement. Does it affect his ability to do his job? Is the threat of being hounded by the media the yardstick by which judgements are made or should, properly, be made?
By any reasonable standards this is another poor reflection on how our media operates and how we allow it to colour our judgement.
Originally Posted by: Gandalf The White