RE: COVID-19: Liberty vs. Safety and Security
We, as in the general population, are easily manipulated by the media. We accept what we are told without too much questioning and the horrific pictures of Italy where enough to put the rest of Europe and the US into a panic. The people easily accepted any lockdown.
I do believe @roleerob that we should be really careful about believing the media as it is easy to exaggerate the truth. I can show an empty city street during lockdown the paints of picture of an empty city but seconds later there were 5 cars driving by that are now out of shot. The media created a panic in the people to the extent that some people are crying with the thought of having to leave their homes again.
At the same time, the governments have been shooting in the dark. You are right, where I am in Europe, we were not asked our opinion but we did follow regardless. The government seem too worried about the public opinion which is why the Eastern European countries did better, they took decisive action.
The "new normal" is going to be interesting to see.
Not knowing anything about your background or the country in which you live @awah, I can tell you as an American, it saddens me to see how docilely my countrymen accepted these "guidelines."
While no scholarly expert, I have spent a considerable amount of time reading through the early history of my country - the colonial era, the Revolutionary War, and the early years after the creation of the U. S. Constitution. If there are any Americans today with the character, intellect, and wisdom of our Founding Fathers, I am unaware of them.
As an older man, it grieves me less to think of what is coming for my wife and I, than it is to consider what the future will be for my children and grandchildren. There is a famous saying rendered in different ways which says - "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it". Man seems eternally challenged to be faced with tyranny in all of its forms. I wonder if we are not about to endure "another round" ...
This is a good point. The lasting effects of the measures we have taken may impact us for decades. I too fear as to what it means for my children. What is the legacy we will have left for them?
We all need to ensure any attack on our freedom and privacy are temporary. We need to educate people as they don't see the danger.
We also need a combined spirit to rebuild similar to what we saw with the economic and technological boom after the second World War. It requires a compelling vision and strong leadership.
"Back in" for a bit @awah, thank you for this reply. Our legacy indeed ...
As an American, I was raised to believe "we the people" were the source of the power from which the State derives its authority to rule over us. We do not exist to serve the State. The State exists to serve us. Sadly, due to a steady decline (long, long arguments to be made here ...), far too many of my countrymen have lost the will to hold our governing officials accountable.
No surprise then, a deeply entrenched "ruling class" now has our fate in its hands ...
P.S. I am a part-time engager on these blockchains, so patience at times is needed, if waiting for a response ... 🙂
Hi @roleerob
I think the problem is that we are in an age where people just don't care. They are consumed by reality TV and social media. They have lost interest in what is happening around them as long as it doesn't interrupt the bubble they live in.
This is a great shame as, like you, I live in a country that has battled for years to progressively make society freer, more representative and to uphold rights. In my country, this goes back centuries to the battle between the Roundheads and Cavaliers.
When people don't care, it is easy to be walked all over. They don't even realise what is happening to them.
Don't worry, me too. I have a busy life outside blockchain. It has been good discussing with you though @roleerob