Politicizing the virus

Mayor Woodward’s tactless self-satisfaction she derived from Dr. Lutz’s scurrilous firing — “the best news I’ve heard in a long time” — possibly foreshadows her own demise.

Based on present trends, in the coming months the virus will become more pervasive in Spokane. Recall that a majority of the city voted for Biden, which was an affirmation of national and, by extension, Dr. Lutz’s public health prescriptions.

Certainly there is credible urgency to fully normalize the economy as we approach the most crucial holiday period for retail and service sector businesses. Yet, if the virus continues to increase, the economy may be eviscerated. Abide by public health common sense or face an unprecedented economic crisis. If the former evidence-based inconveniences infringe on individual freedom, then consider how a ventilator and possible life-long secondary medical conditions would restrict one’s freedom. And COVID ≠ flu.

With 32% of the world’s infections if not soon abated, this crisis could mean the implosion of the U.S. economy from which recovery would be arduous and protracted. Even prior to the present surge, this summer Nobel economist Paul Romer ominously warned that it would not be until 2028 when the economy would return to pre-virus vitality.

Locally some pols, including Mayor Woodward, have apparently acquiesced to short-sighted politicizing of the virus, supine to Trump’s vitriolic screeds assaulting public health practices, and the short-term political expedient. Perhaps Lady Macbeth’s fatal temerity illuminates:

“That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold,

What hath quenched them hath given me fire.”

John B. Hagney

Spokane