Here on Free Republic (as in other online conservative communities) the Coronavirus has become the new “global warming”. Not that the virus is not dangerous or that precautions are not in order, but like global warming zealots, anyone who asks for calm sober analysis and discussion is labeled as a “denier” to shut off discussion. Asking if killing the global economy might be more dangerous than the impact of the virus is not denying that the virus is dangerous.
The use of the term “denier” is an ad hominem attack and marks the accuser as being unwilling to engage in civil discourse. Yes, the Coronavirus is dangerous and merits caution. But I fear that the hysteria virus will be far more dangerous, for it shows that the vast majority of Americans and many on this board are willing to become slaves in order to gain temporary safety.
I'm not trying to shut off discussion. But people who are in denial with zero facts on their side and telling the rest of us to shut up deserve to be mocked.
"But I fear that the hysteria virus will be far more dangerous, for it shows that the vast majority of Americans and many on this board are willing to become slaves in order to gain temporary safety."
I think that reaction is hysteria. There is zero reason to think we are going to become slaves if we allow a quarantine that will buy us time to combat this and save lives.
And neither is "killing the global economy" going to happen. It's going to recover, maybe with a few changes. That's a hysterical response and is fear mongering.
If you have a problem with the facts, the facts are not the problem.
Personally I would like JimRob like during the 2016 election institute a real liberal timeout and (or) ban for posters who suffer from this personalty disorder. It's just not very educative to have to winnow through endless arguments by pearl clutchers who really just need their mommy and a warm blankey. Posting news that maybe looks grim and engaging in healthy debate with logic and facts is awesome. Just emoting by spamming thread after thread with debunked articles, charts and graphs and then insulting people when they don't see it your way....not productive.
Here on Free Republic (as in other online conservative communities) the Coronavirus has become the new “global warming”. Not that the virus is not dangerous or that precautions are not in order, but like global warming zealots, anyone who asks for calm sober analysis and discussion is labeled as a “denier” to shut off discussion. Asking if killing the global economy might be more dangerous than the impact of the virus is not denying that the virus is dangerous.
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+1
“Coronavirus is dangerous and merits caution. But I fear that the hysteria virus will be far more dangerous”
No kidding. Normally rational FReepers have not believed one word from the MSM for at least a decade. But suddenly, in February 2020, they decided that the media decided to tell the truth about this one thing. The resultant irrational panic has brought the country and economy to a standstill, and have turned so many in to quivering sheeple.
It’s embarrassing.
“The use of the term “denier” is an ad hominem attack and marks the accuser as being unwilling to engage in civil discourse.”
+1
Calling people “deniers” is also inaccurate - nobody is denying anything. Worst case scenarios are by definition not the likely scenarios. Pointing that out is not denial.
“Better safe than sorry” is a fine adage, because it speaks to the value of preparedness - and preparedness is a very good thing.
But preparedness isn’t our only guard against worst case scenarios. We also have reason and probability on our side.
It is perfectly reasonable to point out that the worst case scenario is highly unlikely. And that panic has its own dangers.