Putting this here to keep the other thread more focused on what it was designed for. I think this is a very important thing to think about and discuss. We are going to reach a point at some time (we can all argue about when) where the negatives may outweigh the benefits of staying largely isolated.
For the most part to me the economic pain has already happened and will continue to the foreseeable future. If tomorrow they say hey everyone come back out to play most people aren’t doing that. Cruises, casinos, movie theaters, etc aren’t going back to normal overnight. I’m avoiding crowds still if that is said tomorrow. At least to the best of my abilities. I won’t be going to concerts which I love doing. I’m guessing sporting events continue to hold off for a good while. Even if they start soon how long before sellouts?
Since we’re in a position where that economic pain is already happening AND an all clear today won’t cease that I’m much more inclined to err on the side of caution here. We don’t get to jump right back into good stuff. So for now to me the gamble of let’s not let this get its hooks in much deeper is the smart play. As of today things are bad but to me they could potentially be far worse. When to stop is a discussion worth having as this thing goes on. Stop right now because it’s hurting the economy seems pretty short sighted and ignores the potential that stopping isnt long term far worse for the economy.
“You know what this doing to the economy” is a valid point. But one also needs to carefully weigh what taking this incredibly might do the economy. It’s easy and understandable to look at the short term and worry. That’s pretty much what humans do and we’re really shitty at thinking about long term effects. It’s why we eat shit, drink, smoke, etc. We’re not good on the whole at thinking about the future and having a little pain now to stave off pain in the future.