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Re:The Case Against the Covid-19 Lab Leak Theory by HoytRaymond on Tuesday July 06, 2021 @05:24AM (#27745933)
I would argue the exact opposite: the lab leak theory is intentionally downplayed to protect China/relations with China.

There are a lot of coincidences that make a lab leak a real possibility. It is possible those are all coincidences and the virus is of natural origin, but it is also possible that those are not coincidences and the virus originates from a lab leak.

Most likely we will never know since virus origin investigations are difficult to begin with, and China has no motivation to fairly cooperate in this investigation. It also is not actually important, since it is extremely unlikely the virus was intentionally released.

For political reasons it is better to go with the natural origin story and avoid stirring things up - there is no gain to be had from pressing the issue.

Re:The Case Against the Covid-19 Lab Leak Theory by goldenkey on Tuesday July 06, 2021 @06:17AM (#27746317)
No gain in truth, let's just lie. Yeah, I think my government says the same things about UFOs. It's working out really well, for the past 80 years. We should have the truth so we can be abreast of what is possible in this world. For example, if actual engineers knew that Mach 10 UFOs existed, they'd probably be working on next-generation propulsion systems. And as for the lab leak, those in biological research would be a little bit more careful. How do you avoid mistakes if you are unaware one ever occurred? A lab leak that killed millions and changed years of our lives is not a white lie! It's egregious that you are willing to sacrifice truth for a diplomatic pin cushion.
Re:The Case Against the Covid-19 Lab Leak Theory by s5300 on Tuesday July 06, 2021 @10:27AM (#27749076)
>as for the lab leak, those in biological research would be a little bit more careful.

You say this as if you know that they're purposefully not being careful or something.

Re:The Case Against the Covid-19 Lab Leak Theory by HPsquared on Tuesday July 06, 2021 @10:44AM (#27749306)
There are different levels of "careful". Look at the early days of nuclear research, chemicals or aviation industries compared to present-day regulations in those fields.