An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

I was in Las Vegas for a convention in early 2020, staying at the Wynn Encore. That evening, I happened to walk past a blackjack table. I’d never played before, but I struck up a conversation with the guy sitting there. He was friendly, quick with a smile, and offered to show me how the game worked. He looked familiar, but I still couldn’t quite place him.

He explained the game and showed me how he usually played. Not long after I sat down, he won two very large hands back to back. He was clearly in a good mood, and we kept talking while we played. I didn’t have as much luck as he did, but it was fun getting to know him. After about ten minutes, I finally asked his name. He said, “Herman.” I laughed and told him, “Well, my name’s Herbert, at least that’s the fake name I always use.” He looked at me, grinning, and asked, “Why would you use that?” I told him, still laughing, “Because I don’t f***ing know you!” We both cracked up.

Then, as we talked a little longer, it clicked. It was Herman Cain. The Herman Cain.

At the table, the topic of COVID came up. It was early 2020, and a few people in the casino were already wearing masks. He was adamant that he wasn’t going to wear one, and that he’d never take a vaccine. I grinned and said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” He laughed and changed the subject, and we continued talking and playing for a bit longer.

When I got up from the table, my dad happened to be nearby. He had been visiting me at the hotel that week. I introduced the two of them, and my dad was thrilled. He practically worshipped Herman Cain, so meeting him in person was a real honor for him and a moment I’ll never forget.

Several months later, I heard the tragic news that Herman Cain had died from COVID. The fact that I said that exact phrase to him that night still sticks in my head.

Now, in 2025, we’re seeing what happens when prevention is abandoned. Measles is making a comeback in the United States, reaching the highest case numbers in decades. And instead of strengthening prevention, science deniers are being put in charge of once world-class health departments, doing real damage.

When ideology replaces public health, communities bear the consequences. The same phrase is just as relevant now as it was that night in Vegas: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”