1. It's commonplace to describe the pandemic as a war. We should be clear on who the warriors are -- essential workers who keep the economy going: doctors, nurses, grocery clerks, pharmacists, warehouse workers, delivery people -- the army that keeps society going
2. Many of our warrior-workers are going to suffer the same fate as soldiers in wartime: trauma, injury, death. Doctors and nurses are drawing up their will and keeping separate from family. And as with soldiers, they are being sent to fight with inadequate equipment. 
3. Modern wars are usually accompanied by a redrafting of the social contract. You can't ask people to die without giving them something to fight for: pensions after the civil war, the GI Bill, the VA. As the old slogan in WWI goes: "a home fit for heroes"
4. A class war is already accompany the war on the coronavirus. Workers in essential industries are, quite rightly, appalled they are asked to risk their lives without compensation (including paid sick leave). Wildcat strikes are taking off:
5. Right now we're seeing a massive bailout for corporate America (upwards of $6 trillion) but only the most grudging social safety net measures (and resistance to even medically necessary policy like paid sick leave). This is an explosive combination.
6. "A home fit for heroes" was a good slogan in the great war and it's a good slogan now. We should demand a social order worthy of the heroic sacrifices citizens are making. More here: thenation.com/article/politi…
