To worry about democracy in these times

[Rainbowb]

We have all willingly given over to fear and surrendered our freedom over to state control. I do worry about how this will pan out. This virus is not going to disappear quickly, the government can’t indefinitely keep us in lockdown without serious consequences and giving us our freedom back could result in a second wave. So surely the only alternative is greater levels of surveillance by the state to restrict the movements of those it deems to have the illness or be at an increased risk. My worry is that this “cure” may prove to be worse for us all than the illness.

I would work backwards-.

How would the government benefit from imposing new, permanent controls? What would their incentive be?

How would your daily life be altered? Do they really want the ability to go about your business as and when restricted, which would be at the detriment of the economy?

Do they have the resources to see what Barry from Bognor is up to?

It is all alien to us, but I view that as a good thing, because it means it isn't something that we are normally subject to. It will pass. The Alexa thing is a point though, data is the most valuable commodity about us now; and people willingly bring Alexa's into their homes, sign up to apps that give them permission to access all of their phone when it's uneccessary (MFP doesn't need access to your photos and audio to function as an app...)- but aren't comfortable with the police being open about what they are doing.

Wel, maybe this wouldn’t all be necessary if people had just paid attention in the first place.

The government asked people to maintain social distancing, but they didn’t. The governments closed all cafe’s and restaurants, so people flocked to the beach instead.

If people had actually thought about what might spread the virus based on the advice out there then we wouldn’t likely be in a position now where we were all on lockdown.

But given people don’t listen someone needed to do something.

Even today there’s an article in the press about a 45 person karaoke party somewhere in Derbyshire. So next people will be banned from leaving their properties. Because they won’t use common sense.

YADNBU

We have got freedom.
I’ve been watching videos leaked out of China. Disgraceful.

We are all avoiding each other because we are frightened of getting a virus or getting arrested

I'm not frightened. I'm not in a high risk group, if I caught it I suspect it wouldn't be a big deal. And I'm not staying inside because I'm scared of being arrested. I'm doing it because it's socially responsible. Because I don't want to pass anything on to other people. I'm not scared, I'm just following reasonable requirements for the benefit of other people.

So we're free compared to China. Great, then.

China have unbelievably gone back to their old practices with mistreating animals so this will all happen again because no-one is holding them to account.

YanBu- I am paying close attention to all the ‘emergency’ powers that have been put in place. I definitely believe that some of these powers will somehow seep their way into everyday life.
I am particularly worried about police powers and how if not monitored will lead to an abuse of powers.
Any ‘emergency’ powers should be for a short time and then extended when necessary.