Your Method Of Easing Lockdown

[naomi24]

Some people here seem to be in a permanent state of confusion over what I think are quite simple guidelines for the gradual easing of lockdown and for getting people back to work….so here’s their opportunity to shine. If you were in charge, how would you do it?

[jim360]

Perhaps, but it's certainly am important case for the future.

I don't see how suggesting that we needed to rethink our attitudes to work and how to balance that with the rest of our lives, or rethink which jobs we value most, isn't answering the question you posed. But, even if not, it seems enough to suggest that the question is worth asking, which is what I did. I don't claim to have an answer to every question, especially not one so wide in scope as "how are we to live?"

[naomi24]

Jim, //we should look at tax levels. Since, as you say, it may be tricky to find the money to award essential workers their due, would people as a whole be prepared to pay more into society in order to make that easier? //

Haha! If they were working, and earning, and paying tax on those earnings they might - but as it is they're not. The money isn't coming in - but plenty is going out. Mr Khan asked for government money to prop up Transport for London yesterday. Everyone has their hand out in eager expectation but very few give a thought to where that money is going to come from. Oh for a magic money tree!

[jim360]

I suspect in a lot of cases right now it's "buy now, pay later". Seems necessary. If TfL hadn't received that money it was suggested that they'd collapse in short order, which would clearly have been a larger disaster.

[naomi24]

Jim, //I don't see how suggesting that we needed to rethink our attitudes to work and how to balance that with the rest of our lives, or rethink which jobs we value most, isn't answering the question you posed.//

Well it isn’t because you’ve given no indication of what attitudes you would like to see replacing those current, or what jobs we should value most, or how you suggest we balance whatever it is you’re thinking with the rest of our lives. I haven’t the foggiest idea what you’re talking about.

[jim360]

As a final point, I'm not proposing that we have to answer these questions *now*, or make the changes that may follow *now*. But they are surely reasonable questions to ask in future. This pandemic isn't going to be the last time that humanity is threatened by a new and deadly illness, but it would be a shame if nothing changed by then.

[naomi24]

//Seems necessary. If TfL hadn't received that money it was suggested that they'd collapse in short order, which would clearly have been a larger disaster. //

By Jove I think he's got it. Some things are necessary - others not.

[jim360]

I clearly think it's necessary to re-evaluate the pay scales for nurses and many other frontline workers. They don't get enough for the dangers we expect them to face.

[naomi24]

13:45, still no idea what you're talking about. Perhaps you'll have a think about it and let me know.

In the meantime, lunch for me. Late but never mind.

[naomi24]

Sorry Jim, that^ was in reply to yours at 13.47.

[jim360]

I'm sorry I'm unable to provide a concise answer to the question of how to utterly redesign society and the global economic structure. I'm sorry that I confined myself merely to speculating that it might be necessary to rethink our approach.

Enjoy your lunch.

[pixie374]

Out of interest, naomi... it doesn't necessarily mean that money comes out of nowhere, or that we need to find extra. We all pay extortionate rates of tax.
Which three professions would you personally pay less to....?
And which three would you pay more to...?

Just as a priority.

[naomi24]

Jim, //I'm sorry I'm unable to provide a concise answer to the question of how to utterly redesign society and the global economic structure.//

I didn’t ask for a concise answer to any of that. I simply asked you to give me an indication of what attitudes you would like to see replacing those current, what jobs we should value most, and how you suggest we balance whatever it is you’re thinking with the rest of our lives - and I still don’t know.

[Spicerack]

You may find a clue in Das Kapital, Naomi. ;-)

[Spicerack]

jim360 //Fewer deaths is of course preferable, but the point ff and I are making is //

Snort.

[Theland]

There needs to be an end to neo liberalism, and the clamour for short term profits by the big corporations.
That would be a start.
Also, introduce a universal minimum income, which would be higher than the national minimum wage, national living wage.
Also, higher taxes on the rich, and the introduction of a wealth tax and mansion tax.

[fiction-factory]

The 'universal minimum income' is an interesting one- would that be means tested or, as the name suggests, given to all adults (over 16 or18? including pensioners? How much would it be? £5000 a year? £10000?
The latter could cost 400 billion pa in UK. That's a lot of mansion taxes

[fiction-factory]

In answer to OP- pretty much as is being done- small steps over a few months. I might have asked for 'one last push' with a view to small steps starting a couple of weeks later than they did.

As to the future I hope the move to home working continues. I think the attraction of big money items (flashy cars) may wane a little, holidays abroad may reduce, fashion may be less important , people may appreciate the countryside and walks/bike rides and just chatting with friends. I've realised football is not as important as I thought

[naomi24]

/You may find a clue in Das Kapital, Naomi. ;-) //

I suspect you're right, spicerack.

[jim360]

Never read Das Kapital, never intend to, don't take any inspiration from it. Try again, Spicey :P

[diddlydo]

I can only assume that Naomi is being sarcastic in her endorsement of Das Kapital as she always assumes the persona of a dyed in the wool true blue Tory