Posted on 03/14/2020 7:00:34 AM PDT by RoosterRedux
Compared to what? That should be the question that every fear-mongering news story on the coronavirus has to start with. So far, the United States has seen forty-one deaths from the infection. Twenty-two of those deaths occurred in one poorly run nursing home outside of Seattle, the Life Care Center. Another nine deaths occurred in the rest of Washington state, leaving ten deaths (four in California, two in Florida, and one in each of Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey, and South Dakota) spread throughout the rest of the approximately 329 million residents of the United States. This represents roughly .000012 percent of the U.S. population.
Much has been made of the “exponential” rate of infection in European and Asian countries—as if the spread of all transmittable diseases did not develop along geometric, as opposed to arithmetic, growth patterns. What actually matters is whether or not the growing “pandemic” overwhelms our ability to ensure the well-being of U.S. residents with efficiency and precision. But fear of the disease, and not the disease itself, has already spoiled that for us. Even if my odds of dying from coronavirus should suddenly jump ten-thousand-fold, from the current rate of .000012 percent across the U.S. population all the way up to .12 percent, I’d happily take those odds over the destruction being wrought on the U.S. and global economy from this unbridled panic.
By comparison, there were 38,800 traffic fatalities in the United States in 2019, the National Safety Council estimates.
(Excerpt) Read more at newcriterion.com ...
These comparisons corona to whatever are useless, stupid and pointless.
None of the other things corona has been compared to were created by a Chinese mad scientist.
There’s a reason people are scared.
Can anyone tell us why there were so many deaths in so short a time in that one nursing home?
That's 392,000 people. I don't think I agree that the better part of a half million people dying in the US is not worth substantial and unprecedented actions.
People already on deaths door who just needed a little nudge???
G. Let’s try to figure this out. Somebody got sick in a place with a lot of old people where the workers weren’t particularly effective at their jobs
I think we all need hobbies around here. That includes me because I gave reading this nonsense :)
Don’t give a rational answer no one’s looking for that.
“People already on deaths door who just needed a little nudge???”
Yes, it is the I’m okay so screw you older folks mentality that is more prevalent that one would think.
Sorry, old habits are hard to break...
Well played.
What isn’t known is if it has the ability to mutate so people can’t gain immunity.
Let’s hope this article ages well!
It is way too early for this type of analysis.
You won't do the old folks any good by destroying their life's savings because you panicked in order to show an earnest of your wanting to do something.
“These comparisons corona to whatever are useless, stupid and pointless”
Empirical data stands no chance against panic. Panic leads to strange behavior that results in store shelves being empty of toilet paper, but full of groceries.
Heather Mac Donald is a national treasure.
A whole bunch of characteristics of this Chinese bio-weapon are not known.
There is no telling what those evil bastards created.
You can bet your @$$ it’s far worse than any flu.
Compared to what? That should be the question...
You are not allowed to ask TOTALITARIANS or their FEAAR (FASCIST ENTITLED ANTI AMERICAN RE-PROGAMMERS)-MONGERING FASCISTS any rational questions. They’ve got an agenda to drive. All others will be silenced. Witness current events. Asymmetric war is on.
“A whole bunch of characteristics of this Chinese bio-weapon are not known.”
Maybe, and it will all play out in China first.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.