This thread is worth attention. But it's pretty obvious by now that the US is unready to do any one of the below seven things, never mind all of them. The Trump administration and many state govts would reject them as policy even if the seven *could* be done. So what instead? 1/2
What the Trump administration plainly yearns to do - and ditto FL, GA, TN, and other GOP governors - is to reopen, let the disease rip, take casualties, hope for rapid onset of sufficient immunity. Trump and his governors are working to ensure there won't be any other choice. 2/2
Maybe we'll get lucky. Maybe the virus will mutate into harmlessness. Maybe a vaccine will be devised.
But we can't stay locked down forever, and there isn't going to be testing and tracing anytime soon.
Meanwhile, those with clout in the GOP are pushing for "take the punch."
But we can't stay locked down forever, and there isn't going to be testing and tracing anytime soon.
Meanwhile, those with clout in the GOP are pushing for "take the punch."
Trump will distract from his "take the punch" policy by touting miracle cures. But the real plan is a desperate gamble on early reopening and faster immunity to re-elect Trump without the major medical effort this administration lacks the capacity and competence to lead.
I wrote about that plan here theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/… - and the days since have only confirmed, this is the direction in which Trump is leading
