Rand Paul Exposes The State Department’S Complicity In Covering Up Funding Wuhan Research

It all started on September 12th and November 7th of last year when letters were sent to the State Department, asking for records related to coronavirus research funded by them. However, the State Department refused to comply, raising questions about what they may be hiding. Senator Rand Paul was determined to get to the bottom of this and confronted the State Department, demanding answers. But all he got was the runaround.

Assistant Secretary Sherman seemed unaware of the department's funding of coronavirus research, and a follow-up letter from another assistant secretary confirmed their decision to withhold the records. Senator Paul then met with the State Department personally, seeking the truth. He was assured that he would receive help, but subsequent phone conversations with another assistant secretary revealed that the State Department remained steadfast in their refusal. This raises the important question: What is the State Department hiding, and why won't they release these records to the American people?

The Search for Transparency and Democracy

Transparency and democracy go hand in hand. The American people deserve access to information, especially when it comes to the use of public funds for research. Senator Paul rightly points out the irony that while we critique authoritarian regimes for their lack of transparency, we seem to be following in their footsteps. It's time for the State Department to understand that transparency is essential in maintaining and strengthening democracy.

Grant Proposals and Hidden Clues

The records Senator Paul is requesting are not classified top-secret documents. They involve grant proposals - bureaucratic paperwork that sheds light on the research and experiments conducted using public funds. By examining these proposals, we can gain valuable insights into the origins and nature of the research. For example, there is a debate surrounding the safety of conducting "gain of function" research, and these records could potentially provide vital information.

Furthermore, clues from leaked cables have hinted at unsafe conditions and questionable practices in a research facility. State Department officials themselves expressed concerns in the cables, yet the Department has failed to address these concerns adequately. By providing access to the records, the State Department would contribute to the efforts of uncovering the truth about the pandemic's origins and prevent future lapses in safety procedures.

Conflicts of Interest and Circled Wagons

Senator Paul raises a crucial point about potential conflicts of interest within the State Department. If the Department funded research that may be linked to the pandemic, it is natural for them to be hesitant to disclose these records. However, withholding information only fuels suspicion and undercuts the very principles of transparency and democracy. The American people have the right to access these records, free from spin or bias, and draw their own conclusions.

A Call for Action

Senator Paul demanded action, urging the State Department to reconsider their refusal. He suggested that providing the requested information in a briefing form would not suffice, as it leaves room for interpretation and spin. The importance of impartial examination of the records cannot be overstated. The truth must be uncovered, and the State Department has a responsibility to assist in this process.

The State Department's claim of following "long-standing practices and procedures" should not be an excuse for withholding important records. The recent unanimous vote in the Senate, the House, and President Biden's signing of a bill to declassify information indicate a shift towards greater transparency. However, if declassified information continues to be hidden from the American people, it only adds to the growing perception that something is being concealed.

The Signature that Unlocks Information

Senator Paul makes an intriguing point about the power of one signature. He highlights that if the Chairman of a committee were to sign a document requesting the information, it could all be provided the following day. This raises the question of why there is a hesitancy to take this step, especially when it is within the State Department's power to do so. The American people deserve answers, and it's about time that the State Department acts in their best interest.

In conclusion, the State Department's refusal to release records related to coronavirus research funded by them is a matter of concern. It raises doubts about their commitment to transparency and undermines the principles of democracy. Senator Rand Paul's persistent quest for the truth is commendable, and the State Department must step up to the plate and provide the requested records. The American people deserve nothing less than complete transparency and open access to information.