5 ms·

This is a charged topic, but I'll try to answer objectively without trying to argue whether the reasons are good or bad. I can think of two reasonable reasons

This is a charged topic, but I'll try to answer objectively without trying to argue whether the reasons are good or bad. I can think of two reasonable reasons why someone wouldn't want to investigate the matter: 1. It would be embarrassing for China. 2. It may be hard to properly communicate or convince people of the difference between an accidental lab leak vs. an intentional lab leak which could add fuel to a fire of jingoism/nationalism in other countries. Again, I'm trying hard not to make a judgement here. Hopefully I did a decent job.

fairpoints777 5y ago
It's not your problem if people take it the wrong way, points are valid, you don't need to dedicate half your message to disclaimers to appease the hyperoffended crowd - what should I get upset about today people
542458 5y ago
#2 is very real. I have friends who have been harassed in public because of their perceived race, which makes me very sick of the whole conversation. This idea got politically weaponized early in the pandemic, which also makes me suspicious of the benevolence of some of the people “just looking into it”. There’s also a #3, that is that I’m irritated that people are becoming experts on virology after reading a Wikipedia article (or worse) and deciding to “look into” this, then declaring things to be damning evidence based on an extremely limited understanding of the subject matter.
pseudo0 5y ago
I'd add: 3. Experts who conduct or fund virology research don't want it to be true, because it would inevitably cause a massive clampdown on what research is allowed and how it is conducted. It would also cause lasting damage to the field's reputation and prestige. Eg. imagine being a nuclear researcher in the aftermath of Chernobyl. 4. People who have significant personal or business ties with China are concerned that a finding of culpability will result in escalating tariffs and other sanctions, damaging China's economy and potentially causing collateral damage for those who do business with Chinese firms.
- Splendor 5y ago
  Good additions. Thank you.

fairpoints777 5y ago

It's not your problem if people take it the wrong way, points are valid, you don't need to dedicate half your message to disclaimers to appease the hyperoffended crowd - what should I get upset about today people

542458 5y ago

#2 is very real. I have friends who have been harassed in public because of their perceived race, which makes me very sick of the whole conversation. This idea got politically weaponized early in the pandemic, which also makes me suspicious of the benevolence of some of the people “just looking into it”. There’s also a #3, that is that I’m irritated that people are becoming experts on virology after reading a Wikipedia article (or worse) and deciding to “look into” this, then declaring things to be damning evidence based on an extremely limited understanding of the subject matter.

pseudo0 5y ago

I'd add: 3. Experts who conduct or fund virology research don't want it to be true, because it would inevitably cause a massive clampdown on what research is allowed and how it is conducted. It would also cause lasting damage to the field's reputation and prestige. Eg. imagine being a nuclear researcher in the aftermath of Chernobyl. 4. People who have significant personal or business ties with China are concerned that a finding of culpability will result in escalating tariffs and other sanctions, damaging China's economy and potentially causing collateral damage for those who do business with Chinese firms.

Splendor 5y ago
Good additions. Thank you.