In the realm of science, researchers tirelessly strive to uncover the unknown, employing innovative tools and techniques. Genuine scientists acknowledge the limitations inherent in their work, yet they persevere, ever in pursuit of breakthroughs. In contrast, those who are less scrupulous disregard the quest for knowledge, opting instead for personal gain through misinformation and disillusionment.
Epidemiology, once a respected field, has fallen prey to numerous fallacies. Notably, the Imperial College’s predictive model, orchestrated by the now-discredited Professor Neil Ferguson, served as a flawed justification for lockdown measures in both England and the United States. This model has been proved ineffective, raising grave concerns about the integrity of the profession itself.
While one might hope for a mere academic misstep that could be rectified, the ramifications of these errors extend far beyond the classroom. Instead of a simple miscalculation, the consequences have been catastrophic.
Public health authorities, along with government leaders and the media, were misled. Key policy decisions hinged on unreliable information, transforming an already challenging health situation into an overwhelming crisis. The fallout has been devastating, affecting countless lives.
Worse than the Great Depression
Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the U.S. economy was already on a precarious path, burdened by unsustainable debts, deficits, and misguided monetary policies. The arrival of the pandemic acted as a catalyst, exposing these systemic vulnerabilities and leading to widespread economic turmoil.
Any significant crisis under these conditions could prompt disastrous central planning decisions. The coronavirus situation proved particularly damaging, as alarmist predictions drove authorities to adopt destructive policies.
The magnitude of the destruction is staggering. In just a short period, nearly 39 million Americans filed for unemployment, with many positions likely to vanish permanently. Projections from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimate a staggering 42.8% contraction in U.S. GDP for the second quarter alone.
Currently, these unemployment and GDP figures far surpass those seen during the darkest days of the Great Depression. The challenges ahead will be unprecedented, with the coming summer and election season expected to bring additional hardships.
Yet, despite the chaos, public health officials, influenced by misleading mathematical models, seem unable to devise a coherent strategy for managing the ongoing threat. Instead, they produce bewildering guidelines on trivial matters, like safely playing tennis, while the broader public health challenges go unaddressed.
Why Some Americans Love Government Lockdowns
It’s essential to recognize that while the coronavirus poses genuine risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, the dire predictions have not materialized as forecasted. The fear instilled by the virus has proven far more damaging than the virus itself.
The immediate economic consequences of lockdown measures are evident, but the longer-term psychological toll—rooted in the erosion of rights and freedoms—will also be significant. Recovery for both the economy and the public mindset will not occur quickly, and a troubling shift has taken place within the American consciousness.
Van Bryan, in his insightful piece for Classical Wisdom, highlights the thoughts of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius from his work, Meditations:
“An infected mind is a far more dangerous pestilence than any plague. One only threatens your life. The other destroys your character.”
This sentiment rings true as evidence mounts that the American character is at risk due to a collective mindset steeped in fear. While many Americans rightfully oppose lockdown measures, an alarming number are embracing them, relishing the enforced isolation and government financial support.
In 2008-09, large corporations received substantial bailouts, and they’re now benefiting again. Many people opposed those bailouts then, and the same sentiment persists today. However, those bailouts have paved the way for public financial assistance.
Initial stimulus payments under the CARES Act merely incited demand for more aid. A recent survey revealed that 82% of Americans support additional stimulus checks from the government.
As the election approaches, both political parties will likely compete to promise further financial handouts to voters. In a democratic system, it’s often the leaders who best meet the public’s desire for free resources who emerge victorious. Thus, the populace is aware of what they want and will demand it rigorously.
Nancy Pelosi. Mitch McConnell. Let the financial games begin!
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
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