[brobdingnagians]

Even experts disagree. Countries have taken different actions precisely because of that. And even then, it can quickly devolve to "rule by experts" in every area of our life. I can listen to experts, I can learn from them, and I can make my own judgement call.

> difference between what Joe Blow says and what actual epidemiologists say

That's my point. It is a radical step to let Joe Blow, however silly or stupid I may think he is, to decide his own way of living. Maybe Joe Blow thinks I'm an idiot too for living the way I choose to do it.

[oblio]

The thing is, the countries which have chosen an unorthodox approach to handling this epidemic have by all indicators we can find, failed.

Just because there are alternative approaches, does not mean they have equal merit.