[82lsju]

Funny you mention the Spanish Flu.  In context, I understand you to mean that the "elites" of the day in 1918 stood aside and let the flu pandemic spread without implementing any social distancing measures.  Not only is that false, but it turns out that the regions of the country where more stringent measures were adopted not only had fewer deaths than those who delayed implementing social distancing measures, but also that those regions did better economically.

I don't think I ever said or implied that the authorities in 1918 stood aside. Obviously, they took what steps were available to them to prevent the spread of the flu. But they didn't shut down their economy like we've done.

a big part of actions (or lack thereof) in the 1918 flu pandemic was a desire to not upset the war machine and to not create any havoc in those supply chains or both materials and soldiers.

I'll again recommend reading "The Great Influenza"

[82lsju]

Funny you mention the Spanish Flu.  In context, I understand you to mean that the "elites" of the day in 1918 stood aside and let the flu pandemic spread without implementing any social distancing measures.  Not only is that false, but it turns out that the regions of the country where more stringent measures were adopted not only had fewer deaths than those who delayed implementing social distancing measures, but also that those regions did better economically.

I don't think I ever said or implied that the authorities in 1918 stood aside. Obviously, they took what steps were available to them to prevent the spread of the flu. But they didn't shut down their economy like we've done.

a big part of actions (or lack thereof) in the 1918 flu pandemic was a desire to not upset the war machine and to not create any havoc in those supply chains or both materials and soldiers.

I'll again recommend reading "The Great Influenza"