Normal +

Politicians are keen to get back to how things were before the pandemic. Leaving aside the fact that this virus is not being that accommodating with new outbreaks and rising infections - what is this normal we apparently crave?

Jobs - yes, wages -yes, increasing GDP - yes and  rip roaring stock markets to ensure President Trump  another four years. Millions crossing the globe in jam packed planes, dropping off tourists to reinfect countries that can ill afford the effects of a pandemic. 

Returning to normal might be o.k. for millions.

 It also means a return or continuation for billions of poverty, early death and illness. 

It means reinforcing the increasing number of dictatorial regimes across the globe that bleed, incarcerate and kill the people they've pledge to help. 

It means an increasing obscene divide/gap/yawning gulf between the mega rich and the poor. 

It means blacks and coloured fighting for opportunities most middle class whites see as their God given right. 

It means crap jobs with no security. 

It means economists calling for austerity when much of the population have nothing to give to austerity.

It means the fantasy people in the media spotlight selling a lie and a betrayal. 

It means returning to normal is hell for much of this planet's population.

The West's leaders harangue China as being illiberal, controlling and ideological. Yet since the 70's when Nixon  opened up dialogue with China its people have seen a massive increase in economic well being. The West's matinee idol the US has seen a consistent fall in the living standards of its blue collar and middle class workers. At the same time there have been astronomical rises in the wealth of its mega rich.

This is the normal we are hoping to return to. 

There are a lot of people out there hoping/planning for something different. In short re balancing everything. 

Re balancing our relationship with the planet. 

Re balancing/rethinking the economic model that has led to a comfortable living for many, massive wealth for a few at the expense of suffering of billions. 

Re balancing our view of food and those sentient beings we slaughter to satisfy our wants. 

Re balancing our relationship with ourselves - we are not so special

We don't deserve a pause button on our journey to Hell but this pandemic has given us that opportunity. Unfortunately, I think we're too selfish, too stupid and too blind to take advantage.

See you in Dis.