Introduction to a Bizarre Meeting

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaxxer stance and unexpectedly heading America’s health agencies under President Donald Trump, recently met with the President of Argentina. Their discussion centered around establishing a new alternative to the World Health Organization (WHO), as revealed in a tweet by Kennedy on Tuesday. However, what has captured the attention of social media is not the substance of their meeting but the peculiar photoshoot that followed.

The Chainsaw Photoshoot

In the photos, Kennedy is seen holding a chainsaw belonging to Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, with the inscription "las fuerzas del cielo" which translates to "the forces of heaven" in English. This chainsaw has become a symbol of Milei’s far-right political stance, often used during his campaigns to promise austerity and reduced government spending. It’s noteworthy that Kennedy’s past involves an investigation for using a chainsaw to behead a dead whale, an incident that was later dropped.

Elon Musk and the Chainsaw

The use of the chainsaw as a prop is reminiscent of Elon Musk’s appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) earlier this year. Musk was seen wielding the chainsaw, which read "Long live freedom, damn it," in a moment that has been described as bizarre. This conference also saw other controversial moments, including Nazi-style salutes by some speakers.

Meeting at Casa Rosada

Kennedy posted additional photos from the meeting at Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, including one where Milei is seated at the head of the table with the chainsaw prominently displayed. The setting and the inclusion of the chainsaw give off an eerie vibe, likened to a scene from "The Shining."

Discussions and Implications

The meeting between Kennedy and Milei reportedly discussed the creation of an alternative international health system, following both countries’ withdrawal from the WHO. Kennedy described the planned system as based on "gold-standard science" and free from "totalitarian impulses, corruption, and political control." However, specific details on what makes the WHO "totalitarian" were not provided. Far-right figures have previously accused the WHO of colluding with China to hide the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite most scientists believing the pandemic has natural origins.

The New Health Body and WHO

The idea of creating an alternative to the WHO, as proposed by the Trump and Milei governments, is controversial. The Trump regime has previously pushed conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 pandemic, including the claim that it was created in a lab. This stance is not supported by the scientific community, which largely agrees on the natural origins of the virus.

Kennedy’s Actions as Health Secretary

Kennedy has been active in his role, making significant changes including the firing of vital employees from agencies like the FDA and CDC. He has also announced policies that suggest government scientists may no longer be allowed to publish their work in prestigious medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and The Lancet, labeling them as "corrupt." Instead, Kennedy proposes that scientists publish in "in-house" journals, a move that has raised eyebrows among the scientific community.

Conclusion

The meeting between Kennedy and Milei, along with the actions of the Trump administration, points to a significant shift in how public health is approached, with a potential move away from internationally recognized health organizations and towards a more isolated, controversial stance. The use of the chainsaw as a symbol of their political stance and the eerie photos from the meeting have overshadowed the substance of their discussions, drawing attention to the bizarre nature of modern politics.