The Next Populist Revolt

WFB ^ | 30 Oct 2020 | Matthew Continetti

[Rummyfan]

For the past half decade, Europe has acted as a preview of coming attractions in American politics. The reaction to the confluence of immigration and terrorism on the continent foreshadowed the direction the Republican Party would take under Donald Trump. The surprise victory of "Leave" in the Brexit referendum hinted at Trump's unexpected elevation to the presidency. The terrible images from coronavirus-stricken Italy last March offered a glimpse into New York City's future. This week, when Italian authorities reimposed curfews, restrictions on business, and bans on communal gatherings, violent protests broke out in Turin, Milan, and Naples. Consider it a taste of the next populist revolt.

Lockdowns remain the preferred tool of governments whose public health authorities decide the coronavirus is out of control. In September, Israel shut down for a month during the Jewish holidays to reduce its coronavirus infection rate. In October, New York City targeted certain neighborhoods. In recent days, Newark ordered "nonessential" businesses to close at 8 p.m., a county judge imposed a curfew on El Paso, and Massachusetts has gone back-and-forth on whether schools should be open or closed.

This response has placed the public under extraordinary strain. When officials tell businesses to close, they not only deny individuals who can't work from home the opportunity to earn a living. They also impose social costs that much of the public is increasingly unwilling to bear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation increased during the spring. Extended families limited contact. Religious practice was curtailed. Having canceled spring holidays, Americans are now informed that Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas need to be reconsidered as well. When individuals inevitably question, disregard, or disobey the commands of science, they are censored, stigmatized, condescended to, or punished.

[Erik Latranyi]

Yes, the populist revolt against cloth masks and irrational lockdowns will result in Trump’s re-election.

[bert]

The populace in the Blue Zones has demonstrated popular disregard for the covid tyranny imposed by Mayors and Governors. Cities were and are being burned, pillaged and looted in total disregard for the covid strictures.

The pinnacle of comedy is the video view of mask wearing looters with shoe laden arms exiting a smashed window of a Foot Locker store. There we have racist black but politically correct criminals unimpeded as they practice the accepted redistribution of wealth so liked by Ameritrash progressives

[palmer]

SCEINCE says there should be billions fewer people on the planet. SCIENCE says that locking down the economy "saves lives". When Sleepy Joe yells that we need to LISTEN TO THE SCIENCE he means we need to obey the amoral scientists who will be chosen to lead him.

I am pro-science. But SCIENCE is amoral. If I did a SCIENCE drinking game listening to the leftists, I would destroy my liver. The next populist revolt, if Sleepy Joe happens to win, will be against SCIENCE. Hopefully we will still have science.

[McBuff]

There we have racist black but politically correct criminals unimpeded as they practice the accepted redistribution of wealth so liked by Ameritrash progressives

Man, that's deep Bert. . .so true!!

[Don Corleone]

To remain free or become perpetually enslaved is the choice Nov.3rd. There is no option or middle road.

[Oatka]

It appears that Germany is swirling in the tank - shutdowns over the Christmas holidays when many small businesses make their money for the year. Predictions of a “Third Wave” are popping up - a wave of bankruptcies.

Apply that across Europe, and you can bet “trouble is abrewin’ “.

Also talk of the government upping payments to those laid off from around 60% of base pay to FULL PAY. This was not sustainable at the lower rate and now will break the bank.

[HotHunt]

The UK has a lockdown for Christmas with the police saying the will enter people's homes to arrest them if they suspect they are violating the lockdown rules.

What's next? Storm troopers and concentration camps?

[Mr Fuji]

These folks are enjoying their power trips too much to just give it up. If folks let it, it will eventually happen. The camps didn’t pop up in Germany, USSR, China, etc. over night.

Most are aware of it on this site but we have to stay diligent not get slow boiled to death.