Trump, on the other hand, is like Robert Duvall's character in Apocalypse Now; you just know the bastard will come out of this without getting a scratch on him.
The government needs to show that it has learned from past mistakes. They were slow to copy what had been done in other countries, potentially allowing the virus to spread further and quicker than if they had taken more positive action, in enforcing a lockdown. Now they have to see what is, and what is not, working for other countries, formulate a flexible plan of action, and then be strong enough to enforce it. Spain has been more draconian in enforcing their lockdown, than we have, yet their rate of infections and deaths continued to grow, until the last few days, which is why they extended their lockdown by 2 weeks. We have to have a similar mindset, both government and public, and accept that coming out of lockdown has to be properly managed, and it will take as long as it needs to. That, IMO, is the message the media should be encouraged to report.
Described himself as "an idiot". Gotta love him for that. How many politicians are capable of that level of honest self appraisal?
It will be interesting to see how we as a people react when this virus is under some form of control and we are able to get out and about. Will we just pick up where we left off and slot back into a meat grinder lifestyle, grafting a living to enable us to buy more stuff, book holidays and scrabble to ‘get back to normal’, or will we and our priorities have changed? Will this all have been some kind of inconvenient suspension of what we have come to see as our ‘normal lives’, or will it be a wake up call to see things differently, do things differently and look for a better way of living? Boris Johnson has now been stopped in his tracks by this virus and this is the first time he will have been left in a state of paralysis, unable to do what he always does and being totally reliant on the skill and dedication of doctors and nurses in the NHS. An NHS that he and his government have repeatedly slashed, sold off and also bullied anyone who has spoken out against the damage being done. Will Boris Johnson emerge from the hospital with a new realisation that we all need a public health system that is fully funded and fit for the whole nation, and not a vehicle for profit? Will he finally understand that the nurses and support staff deserve to be paid a decent living? Will he recognise that doctors can not function effectively if they are expected to undertake the same workload when their number has been so drastically reduced? My hope is that what has happened to the PM will be his epiphany, just like it has been to people all over the world. Things can’t remain as they were, because so much has changed and we can no longer take things for granted. I truly hope that we come out the other side of this with clearer eyes that really do see the important things in life, the amazing people around us and a world that we need to cherish rather than rape and pillage it for short term profit. I really do wish Boris Johnson all the very best in his fight against this terrible virus and hope to see a new man emerge. A man who understands that it is the people who make up this country, not the corporations or big finance.
Well said Kaits, Perhaps, but a bit of a long shot, the epiphany will include a realisation that EU membership and cooperation is better than isolation. Could it be Boris vs the ERG? I'm not holding out much hope of a new Boris emerging from this.
The media, as usual dont seem to be handling themselves very well during crisis. They have gone from downplaying the virus at every turn, to creating panic at every turn. The best thing that could come out of this crisis would be if The Sun, The Mail etc. go out of business.
RJ, I would like to know how you get on. My employer has done the same, blanket 20% pay cut for anyone earning above £X ‘until further notice’ with no consultation, just an announcement. As I mentioned I cannot be furloughed and my project has stopped so I am doing no work.
I think it is far easier writing this type of post, which stirs up idealism without offering any of the answers. It also strikes me that the majority of people with these ideals are of a certain age and didnt say much when in their 30s or 40s or much older. They also dont have to face the consequences of paying for all this idealism for the next 50 years. Now, I'm not saying we shouldn't dream about a better tomorrow, but blaming any government without looking at how society interacts with it is perhaps short sighted and dare I say it, simplistic. And also politics should be on that thread, not applauded by those who should know better on here.
Obviously there are financial consequences to Covid19...both for individuals and nations, but I think the biggest change (outside of money) will be in an increase in insularity....more home working, perhaps even home schooling, and a reduction in travel abroad. The last change being related to on-line working and a reduction in interest in and/or ability to fly.
Not a bad thing to decrease the amount of travel by working at home, telemeetings/conferences (I've done plenty, saves time and money especially if between offices in UK, Europe, Asia and the Americas), changing travel plans and reducing private transport in favour of an integrated public system. There's been big and noticeable pollution levels due to CV restrictions. Doesn't suit all and no doubt plenty will want to return to the "status quo".
Good to h Good to hear that...hope it continues. Big difference in recovery time if you receive oxygen support rather than needing intubation.
Fair enough. We have a politics thread, aspirations for a better post-virus world should probably be discussed on there. Kaito's spot on in most of what he says though. So there's also that.
Oñe of the outcomes could be 4 days at the office or work location, the fifth at home. Or a three and a two situatión.