In the U.S. we've decided to basically do nothing. It's like watching the Joker hijack a plane and just waiting around to see what happens instead of intervening.
That very much depends on which state you live in, and in some states which county you live in. If our federal response had been anywhere close to as good as the best state-level response, we'd all be in a much better position -- but the Republicans seem keen to practice that second meaning of "sacrifice", unfortunately.
The point about the impact on young people is a really good one, I think. Obviously children, teens and university students have been very badly affected. But even among those in their late 20s and 30s, the lockdowns have carved a dividing line through people that will only become clearer with time. Those who were lucky enough to have partners in early 2020 went into lockdown with them, and two years later, many have become parents. Those of us who didn’t spent two years living on our own, or with friends and family; and are now some way behind, still trying to figure out what post-Covid dating looks like and if it’s safe to meet people. I know it’s not a race and shouldn’t matter, but there’s a real pang of unfairness there…
Thank you youngsters. I mean it. I'm a 65 year old very privileged white male, and I know that your sacrifices kept me safe, and are still. You've been the ones working as doctors, nurses, delivery drivers, shop assistants. All forced to mix but not with who you wanted to, while I was happy enough to stay a home and read more of some of the great writing some of you found time to do. Seriously, thank you. I don't have much of a voice, but it's with all yours.
In the U.S. we've decided to basically do nothing. It's like watching the Joker hijack a plane and just waiting around to see what happens instead of intervening.
That very much depends on which state you live in, and in some states which county you live in. If our federal response had been anywhere close to as good as the best state-level response, we'd all be in a much better position -- but the Republicans seem keen to practice that second meaning of "sacrifice", unfortunately.
Just bravo
The point about the impact on young people is a really good one, I think. Obviously children, teens and university students have been very badly affected. But even among those in their late 20s and 30s, the lockdowns have carved a dividing line through people that will only become clearer with time. Those who were lucky enough to have partners in early 2020 went into lockdown with them, and two years later, many have become parents. Those of us who didn’t spent two years living on our own, or with friends and family; and are now some way behind, still trying to figure out what post-Covid dating looks like and if it’s safe to meet people. I know it’s not a race and shouldn’t matter, but there’s a real pang of unfairness there…
Thank you youngsters. I mean it. I'm a 65 year old very privileged white male, and I know that your sacrifices kept me safe, and are still. You've been the ones working as doctors, nurses, delivery drivers, shop assistants. All forced to mix but not with who you wanted to, while I was happy enough to stay a home and read more of some of the great writing some of you found time to do. Seriously, thank you. I don't have much of a voice, but it's with all yours.