I got firewalled so I can only speculate as to what the Stanford professor said.
When the “Wuhan Virus of 2020“ — and let’s hope it’s only “2020“ — is no longer massively disruptive, this pandemic may well be the most analyzed global event in at least the past three centuries. In 2070, long after most of us have passed, this event and the responses to it by governments will still be hotly debated.
It’s so easy to Monday Morning Quarterback, even now, and the usual suspects love to do it. They bring no value, just criticism.
We still don’t know what we don’t know. As of today, May 24th, we may only be in the 2nd or 3rd inning of this game.
Here’s what I think as of today. Frankly, as more information and data is revealed, my opinion and the opinions of others may change.
We Weren’t Prepared
While that is true, who can we blame? Bush, Obama, Cuomo, Trump? Should we have made it a national priority to be prepared for this pandemic? Sure. But because there was not motivation on either side of the aisle, I guess everyone is guilty, or guiltless. Then again, who could have anticipated what China did...and didn’t do?
The First Casualty of War is Information
This has been true in spades. Again, no one is guiltless, but some seem to be more guilty than others. I believe that Cuomo — a likable bureaucrat — fits into that category.
The WHO is simply a front for the CCP and of course, they were complicit. But I have also been underwhelmed by the CDC to the extent that their ineptitude was obvious. Hopefully major changes will be made when this is over.
We Had To Lockdown
Even if most of the models were off — some like Neil Ferguson’s being absurd, we could only go with the available information at the time.
I believe that the lockdown probably saved tens of thousands of lives, as did the decision to cut off travel from China & Europe. For me the question is not whether or not there should have been a lockdown. The question is, should it have been nation wide, and should it have lasted as long as it has (did)?
All Countries Are Not The Same
In my judgment, being lost in the Swedish model argument is the cultural component. A huge factor is the extent to which Sweds and Germans engage with each other (as in proximity & greetings) as compared to the residents of say Italy, Spain, Brazil and the USA.
There is a reason why many believe that Scandinavian folks are “cold,” and Italians & Mexicans are warm. As if to validate this observation, I once asked a number of employees on an international cruise to rate the friendliness of passengers from various countries. The least likable were from, you guessed it, places like Denmark, Sweden & Germany. The friendliest? The USA, Italy, Spain and a few other obvious choices.
I don’t believe that the Swedish model would work here because of our culture. But I can see how it would work there.
The Mask Debacle
For my money, the one aspect of the response so far that is the most problematic is the mask issue. There is no doubt (OK, in my mind) that masks make a difference, and they protect “the other person” more than they do the wearer. As I have said, if this wasn’t true than why does every surgeon wear one in every operation? (And it’s not an N95.)
The misinformation about masks has been a tragedy. I understand why the Task Force, CDC & Surgeon General discouraged their use until some time in April, but the result has been devastating. The public has reason not to believe that they work, and an excuse not to believe what they are told by those in charge.
The Obvious
None of this would have happened, and the discussion would not be taking place had China been a responsible citizen of the world, been transparent, and stopped the pandemic before it started. This is 100% on China and I pray that this global tragedy marks the beginning of the end of our dependence on and massive engagement with China. It should.
