It was a counter-point to the "existential threat" argument. > Do you think something like that might happen in a developed country? Do I beleive it could hap

It was a counter-point to the "existential threat" argument. > Do you think something like that might happen in a developed country? Do I beleive it could happen? Yes, but it's quite unlikely, and it requires a series of fuck-ups from a lot of people. It's also more likely to happen in undeveloped countries: > It wouldn't be surprising for this pandemic (and/or lockdowns) to tip some country over the edge, somewhere. But maybe not. > Wouldn't hospitals just triage patients, letting the old and sick die? I think you underestimate how pissed off people might get if the system they entrusted their relatives' care to suddenly decided to just let them manage on their own. On a local level, things are messier - as you say, local governments fall every now and then and covid is just about as likely to trigger it as any other major issue. I find it far more likely that it won't happen,though. As for worst-case scenarios in general, I think it's simply a way for us to plan ahead. "Shit will happen. It might be rough. We'll manage because we though of it beforehand." And yes, it' probably good for the survival of the species. :D