The coronavirus crisis has now lasted well over two months here in the United States, and it has proven quite deadly, much like it obviously is in the rest of the world. As of right now, without having taken a look at the official numbers, the estimated deaths here in the United States now number over 95,000, with over one and a half million confirmed Covid-19 cases.
As for millions of others, it has had a bad impact, as well. Many have lost their jobs, numbering in the tens of millions. We now seem to be facing the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression. These are scary times.
Social distancing was necessary. Obviously, though, not everyone was on board. Many question the need for it, and are pining for the country to reopen. I can understand the millions who want the country to reopen because they are hurting financially. Obviously, going a long time without working (and without the paychecks that come with working) puts an obvious strain on our finances. I have a little bit less sympathy, though, for people who want the country to reopen for superficial reasons, such as to get a haircut, or maybe have their nails done. Such fluffiness and whining about relatively minor inconveniences!
Still, the economic realities for many, and indeed most, Americans, has turned decidedly grim in these recent months. More people are struggling. If many - a majority, by most counts - were already living paycheck to paycheck before this pandemic, then even more seem to have joined those numbers. The struggles are real.
Not everyone is suffering, however. Right now, we have this ridiculous economic system that we are living under here in the United States, which seems to be failing us now as a matter of course. Hell, we hardly even raise an eyebrow when we hear shocking headline news revealing the extent to which it is failing us anymore. So, is it surprising that the wealthiest Americans have gotten still far wealthier during this crisis?
Well, they did. Big time. And of course, we the taxpayers are the ones paying for it, literally and figuratively.
Here is a recent tweet by Robert Reich that pretty much sums it up:
Robert Reich @RBReich
How many Americans lost their jobs in just 2 months Rightwards arrow 40,000,000
Billionaire wealth increase in same 2 months Rightwards arrow $434,000,000,000
The system is rigged, folks.
5:30 PM · May 21, 2020·Twitter Web App 12.8K Retweets 30.1K Likes
https://twitter.com/RBReich/status/1263582931190079493
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