@wasCB14 wrote:
This post will likely upset some people, so I'll try to keep it FSR as I point something out.
The virus has killed a lot of old and sick people, and will continue to do so. If I had relatives who were very old or sick, I would be scared. However, the last few years have seen the deaths (unrelated causes) of the two people in my family who would be most vulnerable were they living today. I have the luxury, if you wish to call it that, of not having people close to me at very high risk. I do have people close to me at moderate risk.
Very few young and healthy people are dying, so when this eventually is under some sort of control, we'll still have a workforce.
The likely upsetting part: Some resources that currently go to providing income and healthcare to retired, sick, or otherwise not-currently-productive members of society will eventually be freed up and can be directed elsewhere. Years ago there was a lot of concern about the future of programs like Social Security and Medicare. If a million old and sick Americans die from this instead of living another 20 years, that will relieve some budgetary strain on the government and families. Emotionally painful, but not financially.
I spent a lot of time taking care of the two relatives I mentioned. One thing I did question during that time was the wisdom of dedicating so much of our resources to make very small improvements in life expectancy and comfort for people who aren't going to live much longer, anyway.
*I'm not against the idea of our country spending a lot on healthcare...it just seems to me that universal coverage of the working-age population and children should be a higher priority.
As far as my investments, no significant changes. Still own a lot of of Berkshire.
That's an interesting value judgement. People who worked a full career paying into support systems benefiting the generation before them should now be abandoned? The folks demanding free everything from cradle to grave are too woke to vote.
