National Cabinet met today as we ease into week two of a four week review period in which the road back is to be paved, emphasizing economic recovery. Restrictions are to be lifted on small gatherings and concessions made to community sport. It will be safe for all schools to resume in early June (you remember, like students in classrooms with teachers guiding them). Schools will be exempt from the social distancing rules of 1.5 metres apart and 4 square metres available indoors. The NRL says it has approval for a restart on 28 May.
The Prime Minister said we are getting some fresh eyes on recovery proposals but Mattias Corman’s mouth said the same old dogma of ruling out tax increases. An open mind implies making all levers available until there is a sufficient rationale for exclusion. Similarly for rumblings of tax cuts for big business – still not listening to the trickle-down evidence or the example of USA’s foray into this ideologically driven action.
Clearly I am seeing too many negative images on TV from US demonstrators and their placard slogans. Are we witnessing an implosion of a whole society? No disciplined thinking is in evidence. Where are all the smart people we know you must have there? It would be good to hear and see more from creative artists, scientists, thinkers, nurses and teachers. Are US citizens no longer our kind of people?
On matters US, another 4.4 million register for unemployment benefits for a total of 25.5 million jobless since mid-March, marching proudly to a 15-20% unemployment rate. The US is among a number of nations that played Russian roulette with advancing reality. We might be best advised by those with credibility, again, those who have logged their 10,000 hours, and definitely not politicians, shock jocks and the Murdoch press. We want wisdom, insight, informed expert opinion, and news from experienced investigative journalists. Would you go looking for a Ming Dynasty vase at Aldi?
The UK is onto something regarding a vaccine. Perhaps you share my secret fantasy wish that Australian medical scientists might “do a Bradbury” and gazump other advanced nations searching for a vaccine. If one should be found, how should we deal with anti-vaxers?
I’ve contributed both primary (me) and secondary (articles on point) resources. How I feel about social isolation has been put out there on my Awesomely Astute blog. It’s personal, revelatory and critical. Is anyone out there? It would be great to have some dialogue as I believe my completed journal will be of historical interest in years to come. What are you thinking and feeling? What do you want from snap-back? Something new or same old same old that you didn’t much like before. How is the isolation experience for family members young and old and in-between? I’m new at this. Sister Julie has been helping me with the frustrating mechanics of a WordPress site for a first time blogger. Not shouting but whispering into the void.
Cases continue their slide with 12 additional for the nation (total 6,675) but with 79 deaths. NSW has only 7 of these new cases for a total of 2,986 and 35 deaths. Globally more than 2.7 million cases and 191,228 deaths. The US accounts for nearly 50,000 deaths.
Enjoy a very different Anzac Day 2020 tomorrow.
Awesomely Astute 