[bawolff]

Isn't that the way its supposed to be?

Scientists discover what they can (falliable as they may be).

Politicians take scientist's best understanding at the time, balance the concerns of various groups, and make a decision.

Politicians decisions are backed up with violence (always, not just for this) because states having a monoply on violence is just how states work.

[slowmovintarget]

No, that's not how it's supposed to be.

Scientists discover what they can.

A healthy media informs the public so they can decide to act on this knowledge.

At the same time politicians find ways to help or subsidize desired behavior, and lend weight to the media message. Harmful behavior is prosecuted (the word you're looking for is "force"... not violence).

That's how it's supposed to work. It doesn't work that way anymore, but it's supposed to.

[bawolff]

I'm not sure that is materially different from what i said when it comes to the role of scientists or politicians.

Yes its regrettable that the media seems to be mucking up its role as the fourth estate (or at least sowing division and acting in ways that seem less than beneficial to the well being of the group). However, that's hardly unique in history, and arguably one of the primary functions of a free press is to spread dissent in order to keep the power of the state in check.

> Harmful behavior is prosecuted (the word you're looking for is "force"... not violence).

Is there a difference? or is it "force" when it happens to other people, "violence" when it happens to you or you disagree with it?

[slowmovintarget]

It is possible for the state to compel without violence. That is still force.

[bawolff]

Typically the various methods are just very indirect ways to threaten violence, which if you thumb your nose at strongly enough, eventually ends in you getting arrested (or if you refuse to be arrested and resist, shot).

[ccn0p]

I suppose "it ought to be" that way, in a working system. But it seems that the line between politician and scientist is becoming increasingly blurry (Fauci comes to mind).