Shot Across the Bow

The Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the world is a shot across the bow. No, it is not a civilization ending event; rather a warning of possible things to come. We live in an age of alternative facts, fake news and spin. Viruses don't give a shit about markets, political fallout or popularity contests. They will continue to operate as they have since long before humans came on the scene. They are also equal opportunity killers. There is no concern for your bank account, fancy title or power. It as if Mother Nature is forcing us to look in the mirror at long last. What do we see?

A healthcare system who's main purpose is to make money may not be the best way to go. Research and Development goes into things that are profitable. Apparently preparing for a pandemic is not profitable. Where's the money in having extra masks or extra beds? Where is the money in being proactive? Where is the money in planning? Hey, that's the CDC's job! Oh, right we cut their funding. Going to work is literally putting your life at risk. Thank goodness for safety nets. Um, about that....

This is America damn it, we don't need no stinking safety nets! Having a safety net is not profitable. Follow the money. Is this the path for society towards a long term future? It looks like we are about to find out. A virus comes along and rattles markets to their core and bam, there is a two trillion $2,000,000,000,000 dollar stimulus on the table (mostly for those involved in such markets). So much for, "we are too broke for that." But the powers that be still say, "No, we cannot afford free college, a livable minimum wage or healthcare! We gotta rescue these markets!" The universe is collapsing. Oh, you may get a check for a thousand dollars and or a little unemployment money to get through a few weeks, you greedy bastards!  Meanwhile airlines get $26 billion and there is $17 billion for "National Security."And how about all that money we gave the Pentagon?

It looks like viruses could give a shit about our shiny fleet of aircraft carriers or stockpile of new and improved ICBM's. Why prepare to fight the enemy you cannot see? Out of sight out of mind. We have hollowed out our nation for a massive bloated military unprepared for fighting stealthy microbes. Our track record in war fighting is not much better. But we did win in Grenada. It is not completely useless. The military is proving useful for setting up hospitals and doing logistics. Let's hope we don't need them for crowd control. Tanks in the streets have a way of putting a damper on the prettiest spring day.

Just a few thoughts as we struggle through the Covid-19 Spring. Next, we'll look at some changes ahead.