@trulydelicious Well I was rage posting from the depths of my cups, so I take your comment on the chin.
What was broiling around my exasperated brain was the effect of the virus on an NHS that was already on its knees, and sadly failing some people, hence the post I made before. Brexit seems relevant as it has been ploughed on with creating supply chain problems partly on the medical front. A 26 year old in my family is Type 1 diabetic and has been monitoring the insulin situation, and his is manufactured in Europe.
The point I was trying unsuccessfully to make was that the messages about the virus do seem like propaganda designed to keep us focussed in just that area, and ignore all the other issues that have also been handled badly over the last few years. Capitalism demands growth and profit, it's a dog eat dog system. While the countryside overall economy may be tanking, the virus has allowed some advantageously placed people to make a killing (no pun intended). I was thinking of disaster capitalism, and the decrease in equality of opportunity that the virus has exacerbated. The people who avoid isolating for fear of losing their jobs for example, or cannot afford to live on SSP, plus the shambles that UC can be, placing people in debt to the state from the start of their claim. Under lockdown people doing things within the rules such as working are of course going to be more likely to be exposed to the virus, which is why Propaganda style adverts like "If you go out you will spread the virus and people will die" are actually pretty awful when compliance is reportedly so high we don't have 50,000 dying a week. In the face of new more transmissible variants, more support should be given to reduce risk, not focussing on individual behaviours dictated by necessity.
The infectios were rising before Christmas and the messages have been mixed, either the new variant is more lethal or it isn't but telling us it may be is vague and scaremongering. Prolonged instability and uncertainty is something that contributes to CPTSD, which will become an epidemic if this carries on much longer. We are seeing poor coping strategies (me and my vodka - hand head in shame and daily trying to do better), increased child abuse, poor health outcomes etc.
Yes we will get through it as a nation, but for some people the effects of this pandemic will last forever.
Propaganda is the twisting of truth to suit an agenda, and can include outright lies, which can then be retracted as mistaken information. We have been subjected to mixed messaging throughout which is why we are weary and anger is building. We are being told that normal life is akin to murder and the vast majority don't want that on their conscience, so it is a great tool for control. Vast amounts of money are spent on working out how to steer a population in whichever direction is deemed most beneficial. Divide and rule is a real thing.
The NHS was used as propaganda to get the Brexit vote through. Quoted figures were lies, outright lies.
I can't begin to fathom a logical agenda for all this beyond the seemingly altruistic but protecting our capitalist system and the influence of corporations are definitely in there. Which is more important, ? as they are intertwined. What is the collateral damage? Which benefit outweighs which risk?
One thing I do know is keeping people on a knife edge is less damaging to society than having so many people with nothing to lose they think fuck it and turn to any method for survival.
The virus exists it is deadly to some, measures must be taken. If these measures appear haphazard and our educated population ask too many questions, then propaganda will be utilised.
And I'll try to stay away from the tablet while drunk.