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There are no global benchmarks and little coordination when it comes to opening up national economies. After weeks and, for some, months of social and economic isolation, political leaders and citizens around the world are eager to reemerge from their coronavirus-fueled lockdowns. The question is, how? The answer has divided elected officials, health experts and …
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The WHO arguably failed at its most basic mission of stopping the spread of a global pandemic, but it’s still willing to hector people about their drinking habits. For those stuck at home and possibly out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the option of having a cocktail or beer in the evening is one …
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When thinking through the wisdom of COVID-19 lockdowns and orders, commentators often compare the value of lives saved against some loss of economic output (GDP) to determine whether the measure was cost‐effective. But this is an apples vs. oranges comparison. The value of a statistical life is some calculation of what the average U.S. citizen is …
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The best leaders know when to use power and when to rescind it. Perhaps it’s natural and understandable for most people to think that things like “leadership” and “character” are forged and evidenced in response to crisis. It’s quite apparent in the present moment that judgments about public figures are being shaped by how they’re …
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Don’t be complacent. But do have hope. Right now there are plenty of reasons to worry deeply about the toll COVID-19 will take on America. Cases and deaths are spiraling upward. Our main tools for addressing the crisis involve simply locking society down, leading to shocking economic harms. And even if these tools prove effective, …
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The basic economic truth is that competition improves results. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus a global pandemic. As of Friday afternoon, there are 132,000 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, and the global death toll has topped 5,000 people. The fast-spreading virus claimed 196 lives in Italy, on Tuesday alone. At this time, …
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A few days ago, with somewhat bittersweet timing, Marvel Entertainment made an exciting announcement. This was at a time when low information people — up to and including the president — were realizing that, uhh, hey Chuck, this virus thingy might be quite a big deal. Might be a good time to stock up on …
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This Chinese virus is not the common cold, but the COVID-19 blame game is producing a cold war.
There are no global benchmarks and little coordination when it comes to opening up national economies. After weeks and, for some, months of social and economic isolation, political leaders and citizens around the world are eager to reemerge from their coronavirus-fueled lockdowns. The question is, how? The answer has divided elected officials, health experts and …
