Proportionality

When deciding what to do about some problem or other, a useful peg on which to hang some of the argument is proportionality. Which says that the solution to a problem should be on the same scale as that of the problem itself. A simple example of which would be not spending more on mending a bicycle than a new bicycle would cost - leaving aside any possible antiquarian or sentimental interests in the old bicycle.

Which leads, in our present viral dilemma, to the thought that economic damage leads, indirectly to health damage. That is to say, if the economy is in a bad way, there is less money to spend on medical people, equipment and facilities generally, which, in turn, will lead to more disease and more death. So I think the presently controlled response in the UK is the right one in our particular (island) circumstances.

In which connections, I commend references 1, 2 and 3.

Two further thoughts. First, our strange collective response to the death of Princess Diana. Second, nothing like a virus to sell lots of newspapers without upsetting any advertisers. This prompted by reading this morning of the interference of the advertising department in the affairs of the editorial department at the Daily Telegraph. Any scandal or difficulties around Ryanair and Michael O'Leary - for example - strictly off limits. I shall report more fully on the excellent - if disturbing - reference 4 in due course. With Chapter 21 being the chapter in question today. A book previously noticed at reference 5.

Reference 1: https://psmv4.blogspot.com/2020/02/a-bit-of-context.html.

Reference 2: https://psmv4.blogspot.com/2018/11/a-last-outing.html. Against the wisdom of crowds.

Reference 3: https://psmv3.blogspot.com/2018/09/getting-it-wrong.html. For the wisdom of crowds.

Reference 4: Breaking News: the remaking of journalism and why is matters now - Alan Rusbridger - 2018.

Reference 5: https://psmv4.blogspot.com/2020/03/progress-report.html.