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Not all lives are equal

posted by smallpond on Whatever

On average COVID 19 kills people just a few years below their natural life expectancy, at about age 80. They are basically on the way out. Their quality of life and productivity is not the same as a 20 year-old, and the potential years of life lost for them is minimal. Most of them have lived full lives during the decadent and destructive peak of human civilization - I expect that the life-expectancy and quality of life of children today will be much worse, as the world becomes unstable due to climate change, overpopulation and resource shortages.

Investing billions in keeping these lucky pensioners alive for a couple more years is unfair because it is the younger generations who pay for it, with damage to their future careers at crucial moments of development, with damage to their mental health, and by loading them with enormous national debts.

COVID 19 has shown that we can spend (borrow) huge amounts of money as nations. That money should be spent on the future public good, investing in national preparations for the hell on earth that humanity is creating with climate change and biodiversity collapse. It should not be wasted on prolonging the lives of those who, on average, are soon to die anyway. It's another example of older generations stealing from and ruining the lives of younger generations who cannot defend themselves.

The death of an 80 year-old is not worth ruining the future livelihood of a 20 year-old. The death of a 40 year-old through suicide is more serious than the deaths of several 80 year-olds. These other, more serious aspects of human waste and suffering are unthinkingly ignored by society, and actively exacerbated by the politicized first-world response to the pandemic.

On average COVID 19 kills people just a few years below their natural life expectancy, at about age 80. They are basically on the way out. Their quality of life and productivity is not the same as a 20 year-old, and the potential years of life lost for them is minimal. Most of them have lived full lives during the decadent and destructive peak of human civilization - I expect that the life-expectancy and quality of life of children today will be much worse, as the world becomes unstable due to climate change, overpopulation and resource shortages. Investing billions in keeping these lucky pensioners alive for a couple more years is unfair because it is the younger generations who pay for it, with damage to their future careers at crucial moments of development, with damage to their mental health, and by loading them with enormous national debts. COVID 19 has shown that we can spend (borrow) huge amounts of money as nations. That money should be spent on the future public good, investing in national preparations for the hell on earth that humanity is creating with climate change and biodiversity collapse. It should not be wasted on prolonging the lives of those who, on average, are soon to die anyway. It's another example of older generations stealing from and ruining the lives of younger generations who cannot defend themselves. The death of an 80 year-old is not worth ruining the future livelihood of a 20 year-old. The death of a 40 year-old through suicide is more serious than the deaths of several 80 year-olds. These other, more serious aspects of human waste and suffering are unthinkingly ignored by society, and actively exacerbated by the politicized first-world response to the pandemic.

15 comments

[–] CDanger 1 points (+1|-0)

This analysis is correct and not discussed. The government lockdowns, restrictions, and mandates have been disastrous for those <60 years old.

This can all be sorted out by itself: end the government lockdowns, mandates, and interventions. They have been nothing but disastrous during this pandemic.

If you want to go outside, you are free to do so. Take whatever level of risk you want. If you're 80 years old, you get to make the decision for yourself: should I take the risk going outside where something bad might happen, or should I throw away one of my final years hiding inside? It's a hard call, but for a 40 year old, the choice is obvious. There is no reason for the government to harm some of its citizens for dubious benefits of others.

[–] smallpond [OP] 0 points (+1|-1)

There seem to be a lot of elderly people out and about near me... I think they've come to terms with the fact that the flu and all sorts of other things might kill them at any time. COVID 19's just another threat and not a guaranteed death. Perhaps savoring/enjoying life is the natural choice even for them.

[–] CDanger 1 points (+1|-0)

Plus, if we're being honest, tons of people have plenty of things they should be worried about far more than Covid--like obesity, poor diet, etc. Those are far more likely to kill even somebody 60+ than covid. The media has done a fantastic job of fear mongering and giving false information, and governments have relished in exercising authority.

People need to realize that they are responsible for their health themselves and need to make the effort necessary to look out for their own best interests. If they're too lazy to do this, why should anybody else care?