A Senate Committee Hearing—And a Nation Keeps Watch

And in this moment of transmission, ballistic missiles are arcing across the Mideast. We will have more on that tomorrow morning. Or if some barracade collapses with unexpected consequence, a special edition.

We had hoped to get some clarification this morning about the great public health crisis of the last decade from the man who became its public face. We were pleased the good Doctor was able to stop by and give a quick update on why he was unable to answer our questions, on advice of Councel.

Whoever that is.
Dr. Anthony Fauci looked relaxed. He appeared before Senator Rand Paul’s committee on Capitol Hill to answer questions concerning the government’s response to COVID-19, the pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus that followed earlier work on SARS, first identified in 2002. Other Senators joined the hearing, and the committee room was full.

We can save you some time.

Repeatedly during the hearing, Dr. Fauci answered:

“On advice of Counsel, I respectfully decline to answer the question based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”

That was essentially the story.

Miles, our Creative Section leader, suggested we simply recount the only direct connection Socotra House Publications ever had with Dr. Fauci.

Twenty-four years ago, Vic sat with three colleagues in a government meeting concerning SARS and emerging biological threats. Dr. Fauci assured the group that the research surrounding those issues was appropriately covered.

Vic says they believed him.

At the time, there was no reason not to.

Looking back more than two decades later, many Americans view those years differently. Questions surrounding pandemic policy, laboratory research, vaccines, and government decision-making continue to fuel public debate. Today’s hearing became another chapter in that continuing discussion.

The hearing ended without dramatic developments. Dr. Fauci left the Capitol a free man, and the national debate continues.

Vic also continues.

He still requires assistance to walk after severe cardiovascular complications that he believes began following the Moderna vaccination he received when it was required for commercial air travel. That experience naturally shapes how he views today’s events.

Meanwhile, over in the Conference Room, Deirdre looked more disappointed than angry.

She had planned to continue work on the Asian section of her new cookbook—a culinary journey through Korea, Japan, and Hawaii—but the hearing overtook this afternoon’s production schedule.

She is already looking ahead.

Bulgogi.

Japanese comfort food.

Island cooking from Hawaii.

Rich spices kissed by flame but balanced with a touch of sweetness.

And to those lemon-garlic chickens patiently waiting over in the Rogues’ Galley…

Your day is coming.

More tomorrow, Gentle Readers!

Copyright 2026 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com