do you have an opinion on sending folks back to work , stopping this mass shutdown despite likely not being 'out of the woods'?
There is no easy answer. Since you asked I will give my opinion.
The very first thing is I would implement the defense production act. Not say a bunch of companies are calling an would be willing to make shit. Order who I want to make and what I want them to make. We have wasted at the minimum of a week(s) with no action reported.
I would take all purchasing away from the states (driving the prices up) but if you do that you sure as hell better not delay states from getting the supplies they need. Put a bigger emphasis on those areas needing it the most.
Almost all of that would be to make ventilators, masks etc for the health care industry. I may have said this before but I looked up the ventilator manufacturer to buy their stock. Private company with 25 people. No way they would be able to meet the demand. We need to have our medical community safe or we lose our ability to care for those that become ill. 3M is a Minnesota company, they make the masks in South Dakota. They have a plant in China too. Do you know what they did in China during their crisis? Every single mask was taken by the government and went for China's needs. From a 3 M employee they said they were not even sure how many were made there and if they were ever even going to get paid for them.
Once we have enough supplies and equipment the ability to get back to a more normal USA would be much easier. I think the American people would be able to feel it is safe to go back to work and if they did catch the virus that their ability to survive would be very good. Everything I have read is that places like Italy is overwhelmed and they are basically playing God in the hospital and trying to use the equipment to save those they think have the best chance to survive.
If we are the greatest country in the world why cant we do this in 30 days?
I would continue to have those at risk to remain at home.
I would then start allowing companies to start back to work. I would not allow what I consider fringe/non vital companies to re-open yet. Bars, restaurants, sporting events, movies, amusement parks, theaters...anything with large crowds that we dont have to have.
As the virus works it way through the population ideally those that get infected cannot get infected again.
Additionally fund multiple companies to find a vaccine and pay for them to make millions of doses of the drug and if it doesnt work....so what throw it down the drain. If one works then we are even more prepared.
Until we have the medical supplies to handle the problem.....I think any other plan is almost like assisted suicide. If you are the richest country in the world act like it for your citizens. Unfortunately not everyone is as fortunate financially as others. While I am on it. There is no reason for any child in america to get to bed hungry. If you are an adult and dont want to work or make bad choice i dont have as much sympathy. But the child didnt make any bad choices.
