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Never let a crisis go to waste

The initial justification for the virus lockdown was to “flatten the curve,” meaning to slow the spread of the virus so hospitals were not overwhelmed with very sick patients. The same number of people would get the virus, but fewer would die because better care could be provided.

The curve has been flattened and our hospitals are not overwhelmed. Yet the lockdown and devastating economic results continue — with some political leaders urging the ugly tactic of citizens spying on their neighbors and turning them in for violations of often petty and arbitrary rules, e.g., Michigan residents were forbidden to travel to weekend cabins in Michigan but out-of-state residents could travel to their weekend cabins in Michigan.

The slogan “Stay home, stay safe” could very well be expanded to “Stay home, stay safe, stay unemployed, stay broke, stay hopeless, stay dependent.” To some in the political class, your misery is their opportunity they don’t want to waste.

Bill Manuel

Spokane

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