Paradox

Protestors are shouting to open up the economy. They cry that the cure is worse than the disease.

Tell that to the 52,00+ dead Americans, to their families and to their friends.

Welcome to 2020 America.

Early on in the coronavirus mitigation efforts, some on the far right including radio hosts and the Lt. Governor of Texas said they would gladly sacrifice themselves so that their grandchildren could reap the benefits of a robust economy. I truly doubt their sincerity. If push came to shove and each of those older folks contracted COVID-19, I think their reaction would reveal that their bravado is nothing more than political grandstanding.

I propose this hypothetical situation. Imagine if you will that there was a brand-new virus that originated in Asia like COVID-19, or perhaps in the good old USA like H1N1, AKA Swine Flu. Regardless, it is highly contagious. It becomes a pandemic.

This hypothetical new virus has the very same impact as COVID-19, except the most vulnerable group consists of children from one month old to seventeen years of age.

For every 100 cases, 20 of those kids would end up in the hospital. Many would fight for their lives on ventilators. Sadly, five of those children would die.

To slow the spread of this horrible disease killing America’s youth, state governments issue stay-at-home orders and close non-essential businesses to slow the spread of the virus.

Would protestors scream in front of their state house for business to reopen? Would they call it an overblown conspiracy? Government overreach? A violation of their rights?

It amazes me how pro-lifers' concern ends at birth. Babies have a right to life. Older Americans – not so much, particlularly if it stands in the way of the economy.

Sure, we older folks can stay home. That is our right. I am guessing that many of us will exercise that right.