pandemic 2
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CALM DOWN AND PANIC!
China itself suffered a gigantic swine flu months ago, and
it is now threatened by the prospect of a locust invasion.
And, as Owen Jones has noted, 4 climate crisis is killing
many more people around the world than coronavirus,
but there is no panic about this.
From a cynical, vitalist standpoint, one could be
tempted to see coronavirus as a beneficial infection that
allows humanity to get rid of the old, weak and ill, like
pulling out the half-rotten weed so that younger, healthier
plants can prosper, and thus contribute to global health.
The broad Communist approach I am advocating is the
only way for us to leave behind such a primitive standpoint.
Signs of curtailing unconditional solidarity are
already discernible in the ongoing debates, as in the following
note about the role of the “three wise men” if the
epidemic takes a more catastrophic turn in the UK:
NHS patients could be denied lifesaving care during
a severe coronavirus outbreak in Britain if
intensive care units are struggling to cope, senior
doctors have warned. Under a so-called “three
wise men” protocol, three senior consultants in
each hospital would be forced to make decisions
4. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/05/
governments-coronavirus-urgent-climate-crisis.
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