Either way we lose .
Guilty or innocent, we lose. If Trump was guilty of anything he was accused of, then Americans lose. IF Trump was innocent of all charges, Americans lose again. In either case, nobody has been held accountable. What are the repercussions to our posterity if government is beyond accountability?
Perhaps the Peoples Republic of China is too draconian a comparison to be taken seriously. Contrarily, perhaps it is the comparison necessary during these times of crisis. As the elderly are being denied treatment in Italy, and as we struggle with shortages of vital equipment and medicines, the reality of scarcity confronts our paradigm of security and abundance.
Recent reports describe forecast shortages for decades, in case of pandemic. Our governments, local, state and federal have failed to prepare. Good thing they are skilled at pointing fingers. However, history provides many examples of governments beyond the reach of the people. Consider the Great leap forward and the consequences. Consequences amplified by government lies and of course lack of accountability, except to Mao the despot.
Whether the death total was 18 or 45 million is immaterial. What is material, is that a few made decisions for the many, and the many suffered while the few did not. Six years after the epic policy failure we can look towards the cultural revolution and additional deaths that are again hard to quantify. Other powerful nations have also engaged in campaigns of mass murder, all in the name of the people. The collectivization of Ukrainian agriculture leaps to mind. Be mindful of those that claim to serve the people.
After Mao, Deng Xiaoping established the one child policy. What happens when there are not enough young to support the aged. Japan has the largest percentage of the population of over sixty-five years old at 27%, followed by Italy and Other Western European countries. China only has 10.6% over 65. Japan and Italy are also near the top in terms of life expectancy averaging 84 years. China is relatively shorter at 76.6 years while the United States is 78.81 years.
A striking data point occurs when you look at the percentage of working age people (15 – 64) in the demographics data. China is 71.7%, Japan is only 60%, Italy is 63.5% while America is 65.7%. Finally, we can see that less than 15 years old will be an indication of an emerging labor force. China has 17.7% under 15, Japan 12.9%, Italy 13.5% and the United States 19.9%. Imagine the fiscal burdens of those nations with an elderly population almost double the ratio of young people. What must governments do to cope with dynamic demographic challenges. Does this context contribute to the call for open borders?
WE know that powerful states can take powerful and decisive measures to counter a crisis. However, we also know that those same governments, in large measure, are responsible for the policies that created the crises. Consider this as we debate the proper role of government in our economy, and in our personal lives, as we get accustomed to quarantine. Wait, is that debate taking place? It is all for the good of the community, is the claim despots have always made. Trump illustrates, no matter which side you stand on, that our government is not accountable and indeed are immune from consequences.
Now, we look at our new enemy. No, not China, the Corona Virus. Wait, we did just announce we were realigning our forces to focus on China. Consider the current changes to our lives, and those that champion staying home to save lives. While some want to recommend, others insist what must de done. Don’t be selfish, stay home. A short-term sacrifice of freedom for public safety is noble. Yet, once you get accustomed to a hot bath, it isn’t so hot. We adapt as people, we survive, but will we prevail as we become accustomed to societal norms that may forever alter our social engagements, our economic opportunity, and our dreams? What will we sacrifice for the greater good, and security? Are we experiencing a trial run at the green new deal? How do you like staying home?
If you live in China, what questions do you ask about the Virus? If your government has exterminated millions for the greater good, do you wonder about this outbreak or collapsing buildings? Or, have you forgotten how to question, after generations of oppression? Have you lost your individual identity in order to serve that elusive greater good?
How will the West respond to mass prohibitions in pursuit of public health? Will the elderly being sacrificed due to medical rationing become the new acceptable norm? How does this emerging dynamic influence the Medicare for all debate? Are Americans so far removed from rugged individualism, self-reliance and independent thought that we would embrace becoming subjects of the greater good at the mercy of appointed officials? Do we want to have to ask an official, for medical treatment?
We do not live in China. We do not live in Russia. The question that remains open is, will we live in America? Is America a geography or an idea? Can America remain America if we adopt policies that transform our culture into accepting behavior that heretofore only existed in despotic nations. One way or another, Americans need an accountable government, or to do away with the systems beyond accountability
