We are all in this together, but we are all not the same. The risk of death or serious illness varies quite widely from one person to the next by a factor of like a thousand based on age and certain conditions like diabetes, and our life situations also vary quite widely. For example, my wife and I no longer have parents to take care of (or worry about), while many other married couple our age do have elderly parents. So basing all our actions and policies on some perceived worst case just doesn’t make sense.
I really think we are continuing to make certain mistakes because we are not adjusting to data as it becomes available, and because of the emphasis on statewide common actions. We are citizens, not subjects; we are adults, not children. So the “because I say so” from governors and other politicians, or the “we are all going to die” from my fellow citizens is wearing thin. Why are we not following the American way? By all means, make recommendations, but don’t just issue edicts and claim they are data driven. Provide the data, provide the rationale and inferences, take into account important differences, and let us make informed decisions on the risk we are willing, or unwilling as the case may be, to assume.
Phone data shows people began social distancing and staying at home before any politician issued an edict. We don’t need nannies or nags, we need information and reasoned discussion. Treat us like a adults, and we’ll act like the adults we are. Don’t treat us like children and then be surprised when some act petulantly.
This is a very serious and deadly disease, which means we should tackle it with our best practices which are open and honest communication, frank discussion of options, data, and uncertainty, and the appreciation that while we are all equal we are not all the same and so not only can reasonable people disagree, the correct course of action will be different for people in different situations. The best way to find our way through this challenging and uncertain time is through people doing what they think best and constantly reassessing as data rolls in. And that includes people trying different things and seeing what happens. COVID 19 did not change everything, and we need to stop thinking and acting like it did.
