Thanks for your piece, Wissam.

There is a silver lining. I do see governments stepping in to significantly disrupt business as usual for the sake of the response. This may be uncoordinated and somewhat fumbling, but I think we are learning that we have significant state capacity that can be devoted to progress. Who would have thought a Republican administration could enact direct cash transfers to people?

The naysayers around a green new deal and taking bold action on climate change divert blame from system corruption to a fundamental inadequacy either of the state apparatus or human nature. I reject those things. It is clear we can take action when a crisis is at hand. The problem is our societies are pacified to not perceive crises when they are obvious and evident, and instead are brought to focus on inanity and stupidity.

I, as you do, hope this disaster will bring a needed realization of what is essential.