After several weeks of quarantine at home and social distancing, we see a very different world out our windows. Wildlife roaming city streets, air without smog, turtles returning to nesting beaches in record numbers, and everyone experiencing cabin fever! Although 86% of the population agrees with the isolation strategy for slowing and hopefully controlling the spread of COVID19, pockets of disgruntled citizens are demanding to be set free! Civil liberties are being violated!
The primary motivation for advocacy of reopening society is money. A Texas politicians has publicly said we should be willing to face death to protect our economy. My response, you sir, go first and please designate which of your family members you are willing to sacrifice! Money is not flowing as it always has and people are scared. Rightfully so, but one thing we can count on is that the sun will continue to rise and set, and society will continue to move forward. How do I know this, history. Through countless upheavals, famins, wars, natural catastrophes, changes in the balance of global power, and pandemics the sun has always continued to rise and set and society has continued to move forward.
As we move beyond COVID19 it is not going to be an easy adjustment. Local, national, and global economies are based on consumption. Consumption is based on individuals having money to spend. Money to spend is dependent upon jobs. And, jobs are dependent upon market demand and money to fulfill that demand; a complex convoluted spider web of economic dynamics. Above all our sense of security and perceptions of quality of life are based on the economic cycle, rational or not, continuing without glitches. COVID19 is a significant glitch.
COVID19 is also an opportunity. It has highlighted the weaknesses in our socioeconomic structures and our preparedness for and resilience to glitches. And, do not doubt that glitches will continue to assault our sense of well being and quality of life. We can see the weak links and take steps to strengthen them. Or, conversely, we can push to return to the “good old days” without addressing the weak links only to face the same situation in the future. We have a choice and for the sake of my sons, grandsons, and so on, I hope we make the right choice.