5.13: Another wave, movie theaters
Plus morals, politics and whether the US government is helping "people like me"
May 13, 2020.
Good Wednesday Morning. To the anonymous commenter who asked “Is it Pizza Party Friday yet?” I don’t know what that is, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been invited and, sadly, it’s only Wednesday.
Some other feedback on yesterday’s questions:
Why all the numbers questions today? Trying to beef up your stats for Harry Enten? Don't give in to the man. Numbers aren't the only data out there.
You caught me!
Do you know about a drive thru nail salon that has place to stick your hands through?
I don’t, but I did hear about a drive thru strip club in Oregon, and… now I’m remembering that both my wife and grandmother read this everyday.
Forget it. Click on the Let’s Talk button to get started on today’s questions.
Share Tina with a friend! It’s the perfect gift for every occasion.
Results from May 12, 2020
Question 1: Do flyover salutes make you feel more appreciated for your service??
The question was screened for just the essential and frontline workers, following yesterday’s conversation that they are the real reason for the flyover salutes.
Thank you for the shout out to healthcare workers! I’m a physician assistant. Going to work is different. It feels different. Sometimes I think back to what being there was like before all of this, and it feels like so long ago. The flyovers, the clap outs, people just saying thank you, that’s all great. It’s a wonderful display of the good in this world. And that’s what keeps everyone going- healthcare worker or not. This is a process, and if we all be kind and patient and put our trust in science we’ll get through it.
Question 2: As some states begin to reopen, how concerned are you about another wave of confirmed coronavirus cases and coronavirus-related deaths??
Though the trend here (average: 4.2) is pretty one-sided, the comments were more mixed.
Some folks are very concerned about their personal realities as states begin to open up:
I’m feeling really nervous about companies being allowed to open back up and being forced to go back in before I’m comfortable with it. I’m not sure if there will be anything I can do to protect my immunocomprised family members that I live with if the options are go back into the office or quit.
Others believe a re-opening is over due.
It was time to open America weeks ago. This is unconstitutional. Also, so many people have been and will continue to break the "rules" because the rules are silly and made up. Fearmongering is then perpetuated by the media in attempt to get us to comply with having our civil liberties stripped away.
There’s also a belief amongst our users that re-opening too soon might not actually help the economy in the long run.
If we re open, to "save the economy" we'll have more deaths, and a worse economy. Why is the Economy being put ahead of lives, and the economy itself? It's self defeating to reopen the economy at all costs.
Question 3: Amazon is reportedly in talks to buy AMC Theaters. Based on the information you have now, how likely is it that you would go to a movie theater in the next 12 months?
This averaged out to 2.5, so folks aren’t entirely comfortable going to the movies.
One of the comments made a distinction, though.
I would probably go to a movie theater where I live, the suburbs, but not in a more populated City. It all depends on population density. Other than the Star Wars releases, I haven't been to a movie in years where I had to sit next to a stranger.
One person took the question a step further.
I do not plan to attend any public events or entertainment venues until there is a proven vaccine against Covid 19.
Question 4: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: The United States government is taking action to help people like me.
The “people like me” question is one of the canonical questions of politics because it makes politics (and its outcomes) personal. Our community (average: 2.7) doesn’t feel particularly benefitted by actions being taken by the government.
Is the US gov’t taking action to help people like me? I inferred this as the national gov’t and not the state gov’t. Either way, the fact that they can’t work together and get to a place where people could administer their own tests everyday makes it hard to imagine how I’ll ever be able to live and work in NYC ever again without a vaccine. I can see how other places can get to a better place but New York seems at an impossible standstill.
Or:
Watching the senate hearing today, I have less confidence in the governments ability to protect us. They talk about what they plan to do, but we are 3 months into this pandemic and those protections (testing, contact tracing, and specific guidelines) are NOT currently in place. They’re all talk.
And, finally, an interesting qualifier:
I do think the government is prioritizing people like me: those who have resources and are able to weather the storm.
Question 5: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Sometimes, it is necessary to compromise on some of my morals to get the political outcome that I want.
This question was purposely ambiguous, and the responses (average: 2.7) suggest this community isn’t overwhelmingly in one direction or another.
Over the last few weeks, a number of you (on both sides of the aisle) have shared that you are supporting your particular Presidential candidate of choice reluctantly.
Some comments:
My desired political outcomes are based, in large part, on my own moral values. So compromising my morals would never lead to a desired political outcome for me.
The principle of double effect would imply that I may vote for a political candidate/outcome for the intended good I see in it, even if there are some unintended, evil consequences—so long as the good outweighs the bad. I would not compromise my morals in this scenario.
Make it all the way through but forget to answer today’s questions?
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