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It's easy to say Trump is crazy when you're a privileged tech worker who can work from your nice home office and not worry about money running out or the unempl

by eric_b 7y ago

It's easy to say Trump is crazy when you're a privileged tech worker who can work from your nice home office and not worry about money running out or the unemployment line. Meanwhile, in the real world, we can't shut down the global economy for months without dire consequences. Shortages, civil unrest, total anarchy are the next things coming if we keep this shutdown going. If you're not a fan of violent crime, or don't have a lot of guns, I'd recommended considering opening the economy sooner than later. Here is a measured piece by an actual expert. We need to start getting the least vulnerable back to work and school, while keeping the most vulnerable isolated. Eventually we can let everyone out, but we need to keep the gears moving in the meantime. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/21/facing-covid-19-reality-national-lockdown-is-no-cure/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/21/facing-co...

deleted 7y ago
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paradox242 7y ago
I will continue to maintain that Trump's instinct to reopen things is largely selfish in nature, but that does not mean that opening things back up to a certain degree does not make sense for those most economically vulnerable. Right now we are stuck between getting sick and getting those we love sick, or risk losing our livelihood, homes, and a way to support our families. Really not a great place to be, and some balance between the two extremes must be struck. It seems sensible that those least likely to suffer deleterious effects should be allowed to return to work and school and we should try and continue to support those most vulnerable as best we can at the state and federal level. I have also seen suggestions that any direct stimulus funding should have an expiration date so that we can be sure that the money get used immediately, otherwise it does little good. Long term, I really hope that more Americans wake up to the threadbare reality of our healthcare system and social safety net so that systemic shocks like this are better planned for.
- downerending 7y ago
  The guy is a zillionaire. The idea that he's primarily motivated by the desire to be a double-zillionaire seems like a bit of a stretch. Personally, I think he'd rather continue to be adored by the masses.
ironmagma 7y ago
Yes, we can't just keep the economy at a complete standstill. We aren't set up for that, and many people will starve if we do.

by eric_b 7y ago

deleted 7y ago

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paradox242 7y ago

I will continue to maintain that Trump's instinct to reopen things is largely selfish in nature, but that does not mean that opening things back up to a certain degree does not make sense for those most economically vulnerable. Right now we are stuck between getting sick and getting those we love sick, or risk losing our livelihood, homes, and a way to support our families. Really not a great place to be, and some balance between the two extremes must be struck. It seems sensible that those least likely to suffer deleterious effects should be allowed to return to work and school and we should try and continue to support those most vulnerable as best we can at the state and federal level. I have also seen suggestions that any direct stimulus funding should have an expiration date so that we can be sure that the money get used immediately, otherwise it does little good. Long term, I really hope that more Americans wake up to the threadbare reality of our healthcare system and social safety net so that systemic shocks like this are better planned for.

downerending 7y ago
The guy is a zillionaire. The idea that he's primarily motivated by the desire to be a double-zillionaire seems like a bit of a stretch. Personally, I think he'd rather continue to be adored by the masses.

ironmagma 7y ago

Yes, we can't just keep the economy at a complete standstill. We aren't set up for that, and many people will starve if we do.