Hey, @galenkp.
The question becomes, what can we do, and what will we do. Health has long been on my radar as a way government can basically take away all freedoms. Virtually anything and everything can be considered hazardous in one way or another. Now we can kill or seriously make ill someone if we don't wear a mask, even though there's no direct proof of any of that according to a spokesperson for the WHO. Too much honesty, methinks. :)
I'm not all that fond of the term new normal. There is nothing new, nor normal about it, other than it might be new to us and normal or natural to them to take over when and whatever they like.
What can we do?
Glen, much to my everlasting disgruntlement, I fear not much at all is the answer.
Back in the day we'd grab our flintlocks and powder horns, wrap a wheel of cheese and some bread in a cloth and do something about it with like-minded people...Now...The population is too busy worrying about the latest iPhone, how much gluten is in their food and Kim Kardashian's ass.
I'm not fond of the new normal term either, but here we are, living it.
Unfortunately, what you're describing has been the recipe for disaster throughout the ages. When people are too busy being trivial, they become ripe for destruction. I flat out don't like that thought, period.
So, it's going to get way worse before it ever gets better, and I'm not sure where we go to get away from a sinking ship, but we'll need to find that place if we don't want to get caught up in the chaos that ensues.
Sad but true Glen. I mean, it gives me no joy to admit (to myself) that the ship is sinking, but I cant see it any other way. Blind denial isn't going to get a person very far, and is not my style anyway. I've got a young nieve and nephew and I'd like the world to be a nice place for them...But I can't see it being that way.
Chaos will reign yes, I wonder what it will look like afterwards. Who will be here to see it.