Corona Virus Member Discussion

[Lynn]

I hate to be the one to broach this subject, but at some point we must strike a balance between the cost of social distancing taken to the extreme vs. the cost of a certain percentage of the population getting sick; and yes, even dying.

I keep hearing the talking heads referring to every life as being priceless; and how we must take all the extreme measures even if it means saving one life. Frankly, that is not now, and never has been, reality; not in this Country, not any where in the world.

Before you dismiss me as a heartless bastard, let me give you just ONE example. On average we kill 37,000 (or thereabouts) people in highway accidents every year just in the U. S.. If we truly believed that every life was priceless, and that each life must be saved at all cost, the national speed limit would be around 30 mph, because very few people die in car accidents at that low of a speed. Let’s face it, that isn’t happening. There was enough of an outcry when we were at 55.

Then, you say, what about pedestrian accidents? Even at 30 mph, pedestrians get killed. Right you are. The solution? We build pedestrian bridges over every intersection in the U. S. to save those last few thousand lives. Also, not happening.

At some point we have to decide where to draw these lines. Different States have different needs right now. Some need more drastic measures than others. Just my opinion, but when they shut down all the restaurants in OKC, I believe that went overboard. There needs to be some room for personal choice. Some restaurants around here had already blocked off every other booth or table, to create distancing. Sherri and I went out to eat Tuesday evening after buying her new car. We weren’t within 20 feet of another patron. Currently, at last count, there were 46 known cases in Oklahoma, among almost 4 million residents. We are ALREADY social distancing.

Sadly, it appears the only opinions being espoused to those in charge are from those wanting the most drastic measures, always justified because “every life is priceless.” We need to evaluate the impact of those measures along with considering the consequences of no measures. Strike a balance. Look at Lee’s graphic. Assuming it is 100% accurate (and we really don’t know, because we haven’t been here before, but it seems quite reasonable) the return on investment is HUGE from 0% to 50% reduction, but not nearly as drastic for that next 25%. I don’t know where to draw the line. But I can guarantee you, I don’t want it at 100%.

Here is the kicker: If we plunge the entire WORLD into a depression as bad as the 1930's how many of those “priceless” live going to be lost then? I am just saying look at the REAL big picture. Let’s take reasonable measures, but don’t go overboard.

I mean no disrespect to those of you (or anyone for that matter) that believes the entire Country (and Canada as well, so maybe I should say the entire continent) should go on lock down. I think it is a huge mistake if we do.