Several states in the US, even some with very few cases and no deaths, have implemented restaurant closures, allowing only take-out or delivery. Some cities are declaring curfews, allowing nobody on the streets between 1030pm (22:30) and 5:00am. (Does the virus spread more actively at night?) The federal government is now seriously considering a nationwide travel ban.
This is no longer about public safety. This is about those in power choosing to exert their power, and reveling in the harm they are causing, while assuring people that it is for their safety.
Scores of small businesses are closing. Hourly wage earners will be destitute by the end of the month, unable to pay their bills, with their credit ratings destroyed.
I am feeling like Frankie in your photo, trapped by the madness with no means to escape.
One "ex-pert" on television a few minutes ago questioned the extent and the efficacy of the draconian measures, wondering on the air if it might simply be better to lift all restrictions and simply let the virus run its course rather than destroying the country in what will ultimately be a futile effort to defeat it.
(EDIT-UPDATE: ) Two counties in my state are requiring restaurants to close all seating areas an only offer take-out or delivery orders. This order is in place "for the foreseeable future," meaning, potentially, forever.
Grocery stores in the closest city and in our nearby small town are now completely sold out of toilet tissue, potatoes, milk, soap, and feminine hygiene products. (This last I just happened to notice as I was walking past empty shelves. Doesn't affect me so much, but could impact most of the members of this forum.)
This is based on 29 cases and no fatalities.
I must admit to feeling extremely pessimistic about things at the moment. It won't be long until absurd restrictions and shortages of common goods drive people to do very uncivilized things.
This is no longer about public safety. This is about those in power choosing to exert their power, and reveling in the harm they are causing, while assuring people that it is for their safety.
Scores of small businesses are closing. Hourly wage earners will be destitute by the end of the month, unable to pay their bills, with their credit ratings destroyed.
I am feeling like Frankie in your photo, trapped by the madness with no means to escape.
One "ex-pert" on television a few minutes ago questioned the extent and the efficacy of the draconian measures, wondering on the air if it might simply be better to lift all restrictions and simply let the virus run its course rather than destroying the country in what will ultimately be a futile effort to defeat it.
(EDIT-UPDATE: ) Two counties in my state are requiring restaurants to close all seating areas an only offer take-out or delivery orders. This order is in place "for the foreseeable future," meaning, potentially, forever.
Grocery stores in the closest city and in our nearby small town are now completely sold out of toilet tissue, potatoes, milk, soap, and feminine hygiene products. (This last I just happened to notice as I was walking past empty shelves. Doesn't affect me so much, but could impact most of the members of this forum.)
This is based on 29 cases and no fatalities.
I must admit to feeling extremely pessimistic about things at the moment. It won't be long until absurd restrictions and shortages of common goods drive people to do very uncivilized things.
They're not dolls, they're action figures!