COVID-19: Liberty vs. Safety and Security
Day 48: Of the liberties you have known all of your life, how much of them are you willing to surrender for the promise of safety and security?
Note well, dear reader, I have said promise, while we are all living through the unfolding drama of the world's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the "reality check" of the gap between what was promised and what has already and will be delivered.
Is there any more important question than asking what the truth is about what COVID-19 represents? Isn't knowing the truth about any issue you face the first step to resolution and getting it behind you? If so, how on earth do you know what the truth is, in this crazy world of ours?
In this post, I will start there ...
Search for the Truth!
In @roleerob's typical "black and white" fashion, I will tackle this by stating what is obvious to me. There are two very distinctly different responses to whatever you believe about the following statement:
COVID-19 is an
apocalyptic scourge threatening
the globe with a catastrophic loss of life!
apocalyptic scourge threatening
the globe with a catastrophic loss of life!
Is it True? Or, is it False? In this post, whichever response "works best" for you, I will argue neither of them can justify what the global response has been!
False: It's a "___"!
Pick whatever noun you may wish, to fill in the blank, and focus on the first word. Given how COVID-19 has been portrayed to us (at least here in America), from the outset, how can anyone possibly question whether the statement above is false?
Well, dear reader, let's see ...
- March 13th: Dr. Wolfgang Wodarg asks some hard questions about COVID-19:
Source: YouTube video on "COVID-19"
- Related to the above, numerous reports, e.g. here, here, and here, suggest a far higher rate of COVID-19 infection than first reported.
In addition, there is a medically rigorous, well-established approach to determining cause of death. There have been questions raised whether COVID-19 death reporting is violating this standard. Based upon whether the mortality was due to COVID-19 or with COVID-19.
This information, as well as other similar reports, if there is any credibility in it, leads to the all-important mortality rate for COVID-19 being far lower than what was originally projected.
Which, in turn, was used to "stampede" everyone into the box in which we now find ourselves.
Stating the obvious, if the correct response is "False!," then the world "has been played" on a scale that is "unprecedented" (there is that "word of choice" again!) in human history. If so, how did we end up with this outcome? And why?
☠ True: It's War! ☠
There is no reason to document this, as it is the "approved" (see more on that below ...) message to which we have all been subjected from the beginning. We are at "war' with an "invisible enemy" and, therefore, war-time decision making is called for in response.
As I have already written about more extensively, in my previous COVID-19 posts, there is little which has greater power, in the "arsenal" of options of motivating people to "move," than fear. The ultimate fear being the fear of death.
Would anyone care to argue against that being the driving force behind the unprecedented response of the world to this pandemic? Assuming we can be in agreement on this critical point, dear reader, we have then before us the question of whether our collective national responses can be justified.
On the promise of ... What? At no time in history, faced with actual war, have men (collectively) been told to go home and not come out to meet the threat to themselves and their families. No, the "war is hell" reality was unavoidable and men got through it, in whatever way seemed best to them. As they have from the beginning of time ...
So ... Whether the statement above is true or false, is misleading. Based upon a potentially false question which I am arguing is built upon what is certainly a false premise. Succinctly stated, that premise being we have a viable alternative to working through the effects of this pandemic, to the best of our collective abilities.
No, we do not. The consequences on all of us, of believing otherwise, while some of us are dealing with actually being infected with COVID-19, are still in only the very early stages of arriving. And they are already being compared with some of the greatest modern calamities we (collectively) have experienced in relatively recent history, e.g. the Great Depression. And, in some reporting, already exceeding even those comparisons, as we head in to the unknown ...
Losses Continue to Mount
Whatever your perspective may be on the section above, dear reader, would anyone want to argue that the staggering losses continue to mount? While "high over our heads" the debate continues on what our future is to be?
Here is a brief update:
- Oil Prices Collapse to Less Than $0.00:
- Largest Pork Plant in the U.S. Closes Indefinitely:
- In an open letter, Tyson Foods Chairman of the Board, John Tyson, sounded the alarm - "The food supply chain is breaking."
The most sobering part? "Millions of animals – chickens, pigs and cattle – will be depopulated because of the closure of our processing facilities." How long would it take for us to recover from this consequence?
Spoken by a food industry "insider," you might consider reading what he has to say. - Unemployment Soars Past
20%23% - Now at26.530 Million Jobs Lost. We are approaching the peak of the Great Depression: - Trump Signs $484 Billion Measure to Aid Employers, Hospitals:
- What @roleerob's family sees, when checking on the status of the promised "
helicopter moneyFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act" funds, supposedly to arrive by April 6th ...
Source: IRS website for "Get My Payment" checks by American citizens.
Source: Houston Chronicle article on "U.S. oil price collapses to less than $0 as storage fills up in coronavirus pandemic"
Source: Bloomberg article on "Oil Plunges Below Zero for First Time in Unprecedented Wipeout"
The associated "geopolitics" of the impact to this vital industry have covered everything from facing down perceived threats from Russia and Saudi Arabia, to promises of trillions of $$ more in aid ...The details remind me of my years in the mining industry where I learned these massive enterprises can find themselves in the horrible position of losing less money, by continuing to operate at a loss, than by shutting down. How long can that go on?
Source: Associated Press article on "Tyson Foods idles largest pork plant as virus slams industry"
Source: Fortune article on "The latest round of unemployment claims puts real jobless rate near Great Depression peak"
In the article, it is stated even these staggering numbers are likely low due to people maybe "... not showing up in initial claims because they haven't been processed yet because of state backlogs."
Source: Associated Press article on "Trump signs $484 billion measure to aid employers, hospitals"
Against the backdrop of increasingly louder and more urgent calls for "help," Congress is currently in recess, arguing about how "safe" it is for these elderly folks to even show up to do their jobs ...And, when they return to "work," then amongst all the cries for help, deciding whether states filing for bankruptcy is permissible and whether their financial straits are purely COVID-19 based vs. historically intransigent problems like systemically underfunded pension plans. And the inescapable "Red State" vs. "Blue State" comparisons ...
These are just from these last few days, dear reader. I could easily list more, from the COVID-19 "tsunami" of information in which we are all swimming. Like all of the references to the shrinking GDPs (think goods produced!) of nations all over the world.
But you get the idea ...
The foundational argument I have been making, since day one, is the madness of pretending like we can print endless amounts of ever more worthless money, is only the beginning. The supply chain disruptions, on a magnitude never before experienced, cannot be solved with simply printing more money!
Rationing of shrinking supplies of whatever it is you might need (food?) are already showing up. Along price "controls" being discussed on these shrinking supplies ... Reports of "heroism" and "villains," in the face of these consequences, are already here. Designed to ensure you are deceived informed on what you are expected to "think" about this, in the "right" way ...
Get ready for a steady diet of more of the same. With a growing emphasis on "sacrifice" (of the heroic variety, of course ...) while minimizing an inevitable related word. Suffering ...
In the face of these growing unintended (?) consequences, we can expect to be reintroduced to the reality of "desperate people in desperate situations do desperate things". All over the world, we will all find out what additional "unprecedented" measures are being prepared and will be implemented, in an attempt to contain this reality.
In the toxic brew of consequences we find ourselves in, as this "perfect storm" rolls along, there is little I despise more than the political environment we find ourselves in here in America.
Very sadly, since we (collectively) have repeatedly demonstrated we are not voluntarily going to do anything about it, we will suffer through the endless "back and forth" between both sides, aided and abetted by a "free press."
Heading into an election in November to "freely" determine our future "fearless leaders" ...
The "New Normal?"
In the midst of this "slow moving hurricane," there is a steady reference to a "new normal" in this "post-COVID" world. What will be some of its "gateway" features?
Well, how about, before returning to work, dealing with a new version of "guilty until proven innocent" (an inversion of the cornerstone of our justice system ...) all the way to "safe" entertainment:
- Documentation Papers! Certificates of Immunity ...
Source: Rolling Stone article on Could COVID-19 Immunity Certificates Help Reopen America — Or Create More Class Divide?"
Can we even begin to imagine all of the new layers of bureaucracy required, by this serious proposal under our "new normal" circumstances? Resulting in staggering new costs and an inevitable whole new layer of determining "winners" and "losers" ...
- We must ensure compliance, right? Contact tracing to the rescue!
Source: How-To Geek article on "What Is Contact Tracing, and How Can It Fight Pandemics?"
Yes, of course our privacy is an important right. Until it is overridden, by our "new normal" circumstances ...
- In the midst of far more serious issues, how important is our beloved entertainment? Well, the "show must go on," right? How does without fans sound?
Source: Forbes article on "MLB, Union Must Agree On Player Pay If Games Start Without Fans"
Yes, that is very seriously being discussed. Just as soon as it can be determined what those "services" will be worth, under our "new normal" circumstances ...
Early on, I noted how docilely "we the sheeple" were responding to being told to just go home and not come out, until the coast was clear, i.e. to being "locked down" ...
With the growing "reality check" of what the unintended (?) consequences of these "guidelines" are on people and their families, how about now?
- Consequences: In an effort to survive, but with the fear of what COVID-19 represents relentlessly driving us, what else do businesses face, which put their employees back to work? The risk of lawsuits!
Source: Law.com Daily Report article on "Lawsuits Loom Over COVID-19 Exposure As Businesses Reopen Around the U.S."
Yes, that's right. America has the dubious distinction of leading the world as the most litigious on earth. Wonderful. "Can't let a good crisis go to waste ..."
- Consequences: Political courage? Or suicide? Georgia's governor Kemp moves ahead - " Georgia businesses reopen cautiously amid coronavirus worry" - of the nation's "safe guidelines" ...
- Consequences: Response of a local police department - "Chesterfield agrees to cut police pay 10% to avoid furloughs".
- Disobedience: Anti-lockdown protests, some armed, grow about "overreach" of state directives - " Armed protesters demonstrate against Covid-19 lockdown at Michigan capitol".
- Disobedience: Refusal of a local sheriff - "'Constitutionalist sheriffs' won't enforce coronavirus restrictions" to enforce the "decree" of a Washington state's governor, saying it violates the U.S. Constitution.
- Limit of Power: The top law enforcement official in America weighs in - "'Constitution Isn’t Suspended' for COVID-19, Attorney General Barr Warns Public Officials" - on the Constitutional rights of every American citizen. Following his memo titled - " Balancing Public Safety with the Preservation of Civil Rights".
Again, many, many other examples could be provided. And this is just what is happening here in America. Since most nations in the world have chosen to follow a similar "plan of attack" against this "invisible enemy," they each have their own version of the growing "reality check" of how that is working for their people.
If we (collectively) were allowed to all go back to our "normal" lives tomorrow, I am not wise enough to know what the final costs of all we have been subjected to would total up to be. However, we are not being allowed to go back. The original two-week projection is now ending on week 7.
Current projections are out into early June. Unlike previous projections, these will surely hold up, right?
Does a little humor help to make all / any of this more palatable?
For me, dear reader, while I typically try to provide a few bits of lighter content in my posts, it is very challenging at the moment. This cartoon pokes a little light-hearted fun at the truth of this time in our collective history.
"Not to worry," the "Almighty" State and its "fearless leaders" are promising they will take care of you. All while slowly unveiling the "new normal" living in our "post COVID-19" world.
What will it be like in this wonderful "new" world, in which we will all be living? Okay, maybe we will have experienced a considerable loss of the freedoms we once enjoyed. But ... "It will be worth it" since we will at least be "safe and secure," right?
After all, to justify what has been done, is that not what we have been promised?
In the midst of this nightmare, dear reader, have you ever wondered “behind the curtain” who / what has the power to determine what is on the “approved” list? Then delegated to “approved” groups to disseminate to the masses, of what is “acceptable?”
If "we the people" then “walk, talk, and act” in alignment with is what "acceptable?" “Good!” And “safe” … But conduct yourself otherwise? “Bad!” And “not safe” …
Which category do think @roleerob falls into? In his search for the truth ...
Closing
Coming to the end of Day 48 / Week 7 (anyone remembering this was initially going to be for 2 weeks?) of the "lock down" of America, with current calls for this "unprecedented" response to COVID-19 to extend in to early June, how am I feeling? With a growing sense of foreboding about what is coming. Which I deeply suspect will have a lot of "surprises" for us all, when we compare what has been delivered with what was promised.
With alarming speed, we were "stampeded over a cliff" all over the world, in response to COVID-19. In "free fall," we can now perhaps see a little more clearly the impact awaiting us at the bottom. Before hitting it, do you still see the promised "social safety net?" If so, what has it cost you and everyone around you?
When the fateful day of impact arrives, dear reader, and we have a much clearer picture on how this has "played out," what will be left of the freedoms we once took for granted? Whatever the answer, do not let this simple truth evade you. We are not suffering at the hands of some formidable adversary who has imposed their malign will on us by force.
No ...
We voluntarily did this
to ourselves!
to ourselves!
I have been saying more or less the same thing since day one. For a number of reasons, the simplest being never in history has what we've all experienced been the reaction to threats of this type. Why now? To what end?
For my family and our future, I have very sobering concerns about the answers ...
As I often say, I would love to be proven wrong. We will all find out soon enough. While we wait, I’d love to hear any feedback you may be inspired to provide.
Respectfully,
Steemian @roleerob
P.S. I have removed the "Personal Impact" section found in my previous COVID-19 posts. I no longer care to have those details "immutably enshrined" on this or any blockchain. Just at a high level, I will say we are fine health-wise. Our financial losses, both personally and as a family, however, are considerable. And growing ...
How many of you would say more or less the same thing?
Posted using SteemPeak and “immutably enshrined” in the Steem blockchain on Friday, 1 May 2020!
Interested in reading more of my related posts?
| Lead Image | Title, Link, & Summary |
|---|---|
 |
Day 1: COVID-19: Out of the News, Into our Lives at Home ...
Summary: With alarming speed, COVID-19, went from the news in China to a pandemic here at home. What are the implications of our response to it? ● Impact at Home ● Question of "Proportionality" |
 |
Day 6: COVID-19: Pandemic Defense and "Helicopter Money"
Summary: How many times can a writer use the word unprecedented? Covers trillions of $$$s promised, up to and including "helicopter money!" ● Manna from Heaven ● Off to War! ● "Too big too fail!" Right? |
 |
Day 9: COVID-19: Gathering Storm of Looming Financial "Armageddon"
Summary: On Day 9, under a scenario described as a Perfect Storm, covers "unprecedented" consequences of the actions of the "Almighty" State. ● War and "Collateral Damage" ● Personal Impact |
 |
Day 34: COVID-19: "Post-COVID World," Losses Mount, and now "Phase Four?" Summary: With the growing references to a ""new normal" in a "post-COVID" world, looked at the growing consequences of "what we did to ourselves." ● Financial Consequences ● Supply Chain Consequences |
Very nice write up @roleerob,
I could make some bold opinions, but I don't want to feed the divide and conquer agenda.
This is my truth:
The "paid programming" media provides a problem. As a result there is a public reaction, and of course the people (collectively) want/need a solution, and so they turn to leaders who provided them with the information to begin with.
If I am not mistaken, this is hegelian dialectic psychology.
I don't think I need to extrapolate much more. I think you're quite perceptive, so you know my position with the provided information.
I've always thought part of my purpose in life was to guide others to see these deceptions, at this point, I'm not very confident about that. I'm sure I'll find my people to "off grid" with if it becomes necessity.
Thank you for questioning the official narrative in the most unbiased way you were able to muster.
Up well before 🌄 (here) @futuremind, I appreciate you providing your perspective. You have very succinctly said a lot ...
... so I will return the compliment and say you are perceptive as well, to close with this ...
Yes, I have intentionally tried to challenge the "official narrative" we are being given. Asking lots of questions which I do not hear being asked “out there” all around me … While not deluding myself that what I think really means much, since obviously we are well down the road already toward whatever the “true narrative” intends …
I appreciate the reference to Hegel. While a long way “back in the rearview mirror,” I have read about this man’s philosophy. And that author’s (can’t bring to mind the title of the book …) opinion that Hegel’s malign influence on the 20th century cannot be calculated. Based on the author’s perception his intellectual arguments were foundational to so many others, e.g. Marxism …
So thank you for the link you have provided, for those who wish to educate themselves on what it represents … In similar fashion, it is the basis in this post, of my saying we are being presented a solution based on a ”false premise” …
Not sure how you found this post, but I thank you for investing your time in adding value to it!
Hi there @roleerob,
Thank you kindly for the thorough reply!
Same! I've been going about it in the most simplistic way I can think of. I will take a person in my back yard, ask them what they see, feel, hear, with their own senses, and then I will invoke the topic of blindly trusting information brought by way of television/internet/etc.. Which I also remind myself, as you said "While not deluding myself that what I think really means much, since obviously we are well down the road already toward whatever the “true narrative” intends …"
I know in about 3 seconds if it "clicks" with a person. I don't push it.
My pleasure. I only recently discovered this, about 1 year ago, and still need to read more about Hegel. It was a real eye opener however, an "aha" moment for me. The mechanism is so very simple, and yet staggeringly effective, because it plays on some of our most primitive instincts, and exploits them. "In similar fashion, it is the basis in this post, of my saying we are being presented a solution based on a ”false premise” Indeed, challenging a logical fallacy, the tough part is convincing people that money/status/labels do nothing to determine the morality of those who have the power to abuse their position.
It came recommended by way of one of our friends in the comments here :)
I'm now following you, thank you again for your great reply,
"Back in" for a bit @futuremind, thank you for this reply. I certainly enjoyed reading it!
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.
In even attempting it, how challenging is it to know what to believe? In my very simplistic understanding of the Hegelian Dialectic, essentially our "adversaries" control both sides of the "public" debate, successfully getting us to "take the bait" in reaction to what is only an "illusion" ...
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 ... 🙂
I'm also an American, in NY, and a Marine Corps veteran. Although in this point in my life, being fortunate (or cursed?) enough to understand some truth(s), I certainly would never join a military branch again.
I've been reviewing the constitution, as well as history. As I see it, it's the only avenue we have to combat the illogical things happening. I am in utter shock at how so many, including law enforcement are blatantly dismissing the constitution. It really puts into perspective the layers involved in this brainwash.
Exactly! If the end goal is the same,(which of course it is, that's the whole point.) and you give the oppressed the illusion of choice, then they will be much more complicit in their own demise.
I would agree, it's no surprise at all. The biggest surprise to me is how easily people are deceived. (collectively)
No worries at all! I'm online quite a bit, but I also take a while to respond sometimes, due to the fact that I am usually researching, studying different things. Right now of course I have been deep diving pretty hard, so I just pop onto Steem a couple of times a day, and some messages just have to wait :)
I'm very grateful to know you, thank you for the great communication with me!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts @futuremind
Appreciate it a lot,
Piotr
Hi @roleerob
Wow. I had to read twice so as not to lose the idea of what I wanted to express.
however, only an image came to mind of what this virus has generated.
And it is that of dominoes falling and hitting the next one, but with the detail that has not yet reached the last piece.
By this I mean that we will continue to hear how this virus continues to knock down the pieces without stopping and affecting everyone equally.
What will happen,,? I dare not say, much less assert, conclusions that may change from one moment to the next.
We will be locked up, that is convenience to many who hold positions in the different governments of the world, either to preserve the life of death, to which we are all afraid of losing our lives.
But while we are in confinement, it is possible that you can lose your life for other reasons that are not linked to covid-19, or what is the name of that invisible virus that does as much damage as the State does in a country.
I always tell my students that the state of a country is something intangible unlike the people who hold positions in the government and are the ones who actually hold the reins, they are tamgible and those people are the common cause. of any misfortune that may happen when things are not done well and their decisions directly affect the people individually or collectively.
Excellent analogy @lanzjoseg ...
... as that captures well what I have referred to as unintended (?) consequences. The "Almighty" State can never successfully replace a free market system where we as individuals are at liberty to enter in to mutually beneficial transactions. If the State intervenes, there are inevitable "winners" and "losers" instead. The result? A domino effect, as people change their behavior to avoid being in the "loser" category - an unnatural place to be ...
Exactly right. While I do not pretend to be wise enough to know, I am very concerned, as I write in my post, about the damaging impact of the response to COVID-19 across the world exceeding the damage caused by the pandemic itself.
Succintly stated, we are all being affected by the response. Some of us will also contract COVID-19 ...
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post!
Hi @lanzjoseg
What an amazing comment. You really read this post twice? Omg :) I found it to long to be able to read it again hehe
I love your comparison to domino. Amazing one. Right on spot.
Thanks for sharing your view.
Yours, Piotr
To be honest, I am so confused when it comes to the coronavirus that I have no clue what I really believe anymore. In some moments, I do admire Sweden who has kept life running as usual (almost), and according to the trends, they seem to get on the better side of the story already as the cases go down. Of course, many people have died, but they haven't killed businesses as much as others, and life is still going on, and it seems to go in the right direction.
But, then, what is the value of human life? That is the question to me... Is it worth sacrificing so much to protect ourselves? I really don't know. Because, we might save the lives of many people, but I fear many people at home without jobs, money, and so - will fall into big depressions and maybe suicide thoughts, meaning that the other side of the story is very black and depressing, and maybe much worse than the actual death numbers.
But, you probably get it - I am so confused and don't really know what to think!
Yes @unbiasedwriter we live in confusing times. As an engineer, I tend to see things in more "black and white" terms than others may. So ... Personally, I like the contrast of light and darkness, as it is linked to the natural experiences of us all. In my long life, it seems to me we are heading deeper into darkness, unable to "see" for sure what is going on ...
Yes, that is the question we are all being asked, in one way or another. Whether intentional or not, I do not profess to be wise enough to know, but I make a case in this post this is a misleading question. Based on the false premise that the "Almighty" State can provide a viable alternative to us continuing to work our way through this very difficult time.
Even in historic times of war, that has always been the case. Why now have "we" (collectively) chosen to respond differently? Why have "we" (collectively) so easily accepted the State's message they can "save" us from having to go through it?
As you say, Sweden has chosen a different approach, which is much more in line with historic norms. The rest of us? IMHO, we are only in the very early stages of finding out what the unintended (?) consequences are going to be for us all, some of whom will also contract COVID-19 ...
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post!
Great feedback @unbiasedwriter. Solid read
Same here. I think we should focus on protecting ourselfs and preparing for possible outcome (another great depression). More than seeking the truth on "real agenda" or "who started it" etc.
After all we cannot have an impact on those things. So let's focus our efforts on things that can make our life easier during those challenging times. That's my personal view.
People do not seem to take into consideration, that businesses can be rebuild. And dead population = permanent lose on those who pay taxes. That also means thousands consumers less. Permanently. Some of those people run businesses too. And those businesses will also die. Permanently.
Some of those people and businesses had to pay their loans, morgages. Those are permanently money lose. Dissapeared.
That's also something we should keep in mind. This is what OUR HUMAN life is worth in my opinion.
Cheers, Piotr
There are so many parameters that need to be reflected on when considering the response to Covid-19. The rate of infection, the different virus strains, the climate, the density of the population, the demographics of the population, the pollution. They all have an impact on how quickly the virus spreads and how deadly it is.
For example, the North of Italy is one of the most polluted areas in the world and also the strain of the virus in Europe may be more deadly than other areas.
Eastern Europe can push draconian government policies on to the people easier than the can in the West and have such been more effective than controlling the virus.
I do agree that some reactions have been too severe and perhaps others too little. They also have changed a lot over time. The UK started off very lenient compared to other European countries but has since found itself at with the highest overall death rate. It has now become a lot more cautious.
The fact is, they didn't know. They were all shooting in the dark and making up policies based on various hypothetical scientific models. No one knew the answer and there is still so much they don't know.
However, it is real. I live in a big polluted European city and not far from a major hospital. It is a bit better now but for the last few weeks, I have been hearing ambulances day and night. Usually, I might here police sirens but never anything like this with so many ambulances.
Your article seems to suggest a secret plan to restrict our freedom and impose this upon us. I don't see the evidence for that. First, I think there are too many people involved to keep anything this big a secret.
Secondly, though, I think the evidence shows that governments have been incompetent, out of their depth and shooting in the dark. They appear to be along way from any organised and deliberate ploy.
Just my thoughts though. I did find your article very informative and interesting.
I also agree with the points from @crypto.piotr the problem is real and exists. I too have a survival instinct. I don't pay too much attention to the government but do what I feel is right for the survival of my family and myself.
The government responses are perhaps an overreaction. We will only know that though for sure when we look back. It will be easy to criticise then as hindsight gives us 20/20 vision. It is difficult to make good decisions now when there isn't the right information available.
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts with us @awah
I agree with you on that. I think there is so many powers, with different agendas and goals. Surely not working together, but often against each other.
Seriously - amazing feedback
Yours, Piotr
Up before 🌄 (here) @awah, I appreciate you providing your view from somewhere in Europe. We can agree it is a very complicated issue facing us all. In an earlier post on COVID-19, I likened it to a "perfect storm," due the parallels I see between that great movie and what we all now face.
The point being when faced with death and fear of it, much is suddenly acceptable which previously had not. On the promise of safety and security … While I have my concerns about the accuracy of reporting on the seriousness of the threat to us all, as stated in this post, let’s accept the worst-case scenario. The “solution” provided is not viable. And it most certainly is not sustainable.
As in war, people are faced with extraordinarily difficult choices. They have no choice but to get through it as seems best to them, under the “war is hell” reality which they cannot escape …
I have no knowledge of a secret plan. I do, however, seriously question why "we" (collectively) chosen to address this threat in this way. Pandemics are not new. "Locking down" a good portion of the world, in response to it, is. Why?
Whatever the answer, we already experiencing the damage done to our economy and the supply chains upon which we are so dependent. And we are only just in the very beginning of whatever is coming …
If a little humor helps, here is what making its way around FaceBook:
I'll close with simply recapping the way I ended my post. Saying I will be happy to be proven wrong. An engineer by education and profession, I have spent my long life with this mindset - "prepare for the worst, hope for the best."
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post!
What I find surprising is how we have behaved so differently to previous epidemics in history. Perhaps 1918 is too far back to comment but I was speaking to someone the other day who got married at the time of the 1968 pandemic which reportedly cause 25-50 million deaths. We are nowhere near in the league of that at the moment. Yet in 1968, which is within living memory for so many, there was hardly any social reaction. Yes, people became ill but there was none of the huge business shut down and the economy grinding to the halt. The person I spoke to can hardly remember the event.
So I see, we have either
I can't quite work out where the truth lies in the above possibilities.
Yes, exactly reinforcing ...
... what the core question is to me @awah. Why are we responding to this pandemic differently than in the past? I don't think a valid argument can be made this response historically was ever even seriously contemplated, since it was explicitly understood it was simply not viable. And most certainly not (as we enter Week 8) sustainable ...
Yet here we are!?
Assuming like me here in America, they didn't ask your opinion (😉) "over there" about the "solution" either, we are going to live through the consequences of what has been decided for us. I can hardly wait (being facetious ...) to find out what the "new normal" is going to be in the "post COVID" world ...
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 ... 🙂
The metric is indeed 'higher death rates of 2020'. Whatever the cause(s), COVID-19 is the term which we will be Googling in retrospect.
Also note that the symptoms of COVID correspond to broad illness that can be mitigated if we simply took better care of our environment and nutrition, as well as exercised and got out under sun with fresh air some more.
The mechanism of the covert enemy you mention.
Hope your fortunes turn.
Agreed @machnbirdsparo ...
... there are proactive steps we can take, in the face of all that is happening. We can do our best, even in the face of great difficulty.
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post.
It's really nice learning from your perception and experience about the effect of liberty, safety and security. You've actually nailed the point and I love the way you provided the required information and evidences or proofs backing up your claim.
This is really surprising though even most nation have their own method of strategies when it comes to the welfarism of their citizens. The effect of covid-19 has really caused a lot than we can ever imagine. I also heard the massive protest of the American citizens against Bill Gates vaccine.
I just hope everything will just get better and we are gonna be okay and always remember to always #staysafe.
Thanks for sharing this great post @roleerob with love from @hardaeborla ❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
I appreciate you letting me know you found this post to be of some value to you @hardaeborla.
There is hope. And then there is reality. Sadly, for many of us around the world, when the day arrives that we clearly see the "reality gap" between what has been promised and what has been delivered, we will all be talking about the "new normal" in our "Post COVID" world.
Perhaps, at that time, we'll be asking some hard questions, like "What happened?" I hope, for many, this post will serve to at least get people thinking about what is actually coming vs. what we are being "promised" ...
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post!
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts with us @hardaeborla
Seriously - amazing feedback
Yours, Piotr
I personally believe that in fighting COVID-19, we must strike a balance between public health and the economy. Both are equally important. We can't continue to lockdown when a vast majority are living from hand to mouth. The economy will remain open while we social distance and take other precautions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi @gandhibaba
As much as I agree - I think you forgot about one important factor. Public opinion need to be taken into consideration. In many countries public opinion matters more than public health or economy. Especially in thos which are rulled by democracy (for that reason you will witness in all those countries more deaths - simply because decision making process is much slower).
Thx for sharing your thouhts,
Piotr
Yes @gandhibaba ...
... we are agreed. I have intentionally drawn comparisons to historic times of war. As terrible as those times are, people work through them, to the best of their ability. Taking prudent steps, as much as possible, to protect themselves and their loved ones, under the "war is hell" conditions with which they are faced.
For the first time in history (I will be happy to "hear" any argument to the contrary ...), "we" (collectively) have chosen a different response. With the "Almighty" State claiming they will "save" us. I don't think so ...
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post!
Not only the number of infections, also number of deaths is underestimated. But I don't care. My old parents are living and I'm very glad for it. I want to protect them also if I have to eat bread and water all day.
x x x
The biggest threat is, the virus mutates and kills much more people. Imagine a mortality rate of 20 percent like some other plagues in history. Flue virus mutates every year. A stronger mutation would be like a WW III. The living horror movies on your doorstep. (Very likely the virus mutated alerady: LA Times)
x x x
I'm also on Minds.com, people there have all existing conspiracy theories ready. But, yes, I'm afraid of states wanting too much power. And also of revolutionists wanting to overthrow states and take the same power themselves.
Whenever lives are on the line, we have what I have referred to in my other COVID-19 posts as a "perfect storm" scenario @deathcross. That "word picture" may not work for everyone, but a fan of that well made movie, I think it works well enough ...
Glad to know your elderly parents are well, in the midst of it.
Whatever is coming, in far and away the most consequential event of my lifetime, is very sobering to me. I simply do not believe the State can deliver on its promises. IMHO, they are based on a false premise.
Whether my concerns are valid or not, we are already in only the very early stages of finding out ...
Thank you for investing your time in adding value to this post!
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts with us @deathcross
Such a huge mortality rate would be kind of "blessing" here. It's proven, that viruses with high mortality rate "burn out" fast.
Seriously - amazing feedback
Yours, Piotr
We are talking about the potential death of 1.56 billion humans. I prefer viruses with low mortality rate and slow spreading. We need time to produce vaccines or drugs.