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Old 04-21-2020, 07:23 PM   #3
SailinAway
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I think it's inevitable that the virus crisis leads to bitterness and conflict. This crisis---perhaps any crisis---reveals things that were fundamentally wrong in a society before the crisis. Of course, people don't see those things the same way. For example, not everyone is convinced that all people deserve healthcare, or that it should be affordable (or free). So naturally a health crisis is going to exacerbate that division of social beliefs. Not everyone agrees that all people should have affordable housing. So when there's an economic crisis and people can no longer pay their rent or their mortgage (which were too high before the crisis), there is disagreement about what should be done.

Another fundamental question that shows a deep divide in our country is who we should be concerned about and protect: ourselves, family, strangers we come in contact with, state, nation, continent, or world? Should I have to give up my freedom so someone else is protected? That question caused a vehement argument in this forum.

And of course there's the question of responsibility. If people can't take care of themselves, who should help them? Should my taxes be used to take care of my neighbor, people in other states, people in other countries, small businesses, large corporations? Again, a deep divide.

Politics is not something that stands alone and can be kept separate from the rest of our lives. Politics is a direct reflection of our society, values, and beliefs. Maybe the most important beliefs are about power and wealth---how much power and wealth different kinds of people deserve and what they can't and can't do with it.

In that sense, COVID-19 is a political event, and it's not surprising that people quickly stake out a political position on it. However, your point is still very well taken: we certainly need to come together and help one another and solve this crisis together. (Notice, though, that that statement itself reflects a particular political belief about the unity of society or the world.) My hope is that when it's over, we will be able to look back and see the social causes of the crisis and fix some of the broken things that led to it.
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