[glanard_frugner]

it doesn’t even have to be a conspiracy. maybe our leaders are just really dumb and making dumb decisions, is that really so implausible?

many of them are also older and in higher risk groups, could that factor into their decisions?

[jasonlaramburu]

It's certainly true that in most democratic countries, older (and higher risk) people are a powerful voting block. From a moral perspective it also seems good to protect our elders. I would hope that when I am old, the younger generation does not just put me out to pasture.

I have heard many advance the solution that older/high risk people should just stay home, but that's not really feasible either. Many elderly people live alone. Everyone needs basic supplies, medical care, social interaction etc, and each of these presents a vector for infection.

I'm sure there is an optimal solution where the most effective interventions are deployed to protect the vulnerable, without massively inconveniencing everyone. There is no reason we should accept 1000+ deaths per day as normal. The problem is that neither side in this debate seems remotely willing to compromise and/or do the experimentation needed.