Ironic COVID twist

Ironic twist of fate or is it a tragedy?

Bernie may actually get what he's wanted all along....

Without getting into the merits, or criticisms, of our government’s actions in dealing with Covid by implementing a near total lockdown on our economy including a stripping of many of our freedoms which have resulted in the literal total destruction of our economy and perhaps the changing forever of the United States as we have known it, it is interesting to note that once we get to the other side (and we will), there is a good chance this country will look more like a Sanders version than Bernie ever imagined. Socialism may already be here...and in a big way.

Consider this: 

1)    In a short 3-week timeframe, 25 million plus Americans have instantly become totally dependent on government as represented by new unemployment applications.  That number is growing and could soon exceed 50 million. The experts are forecasting 20% which would equal approximately 32 million. In the blink of the eye 32 million people became instantly dependent on government.

Does anyone really believe that the economy will return to normal within 3 months of the so-called “restarting” of things? More likely, we will see a very slow and measured attempt at getting things back to normal. The government is clearly projecting those thoughts each day by discussing a phased and/or regional approach with social distancing guidelines in place for extended periods of time long after the so called "turn on" event date. You can count on the basic wage concept being right around the corner as the "needed" solution to mass unemployment.

2)   Included in the CARES bill is forgiveness of some college debt and deferring of payments. Next step full forgiveness of college debt coupled with free college for all.

3)   Coming right along with the economics of a shutdown, is healthcare. We have already moved closer to government healthcare by creating a semi-government solution to healthcare as it relates to the Covid virus. Many of the costs that pre Covid were the responsibility of the individual insured have now moved to the insurance companies and then onto the government for reimbursement resulting in a quasi-government insurance solution.

Our government is doing what they do best...Spend money they don't have or spend someone else’s money. This is the one thing democrats and republicans can agree on during crazy times. Who spends the most can say they did the most to help Americans. But are they helping? It's a race to spend the most with no political will to tamp spending now during these "unprecedented" times. Unfortunately, this drunken spending pattern only creates more dependency.

All of this leads to a larger government with a larger (and growing) body of Americans dependent on that larger government. And get ready for runaway inflation and the horrible impact that will have on everyone. Government dependency will grow even faster as basic needs cannot be met. In the end Bernie may get his wish sooner than he ever could have done it as President. 

Let’s hope not!!