Clive Bibby: Cost benefit analysis of lockdowns

 

My research during this pandemic has usually led me to be sceptical about recommendations offered to the world by heads of the different UN departments - especially WHO. 

The reason for my scepticism is not unlike my distrust of other UN agencies who are charged with oversight of the world’s problems. 

On many occasions their recommendations defy credibility simply because they are dreamed up in committees led by representatives of some of the planets most notorious failed states. For example - the recommendation repeatedly made to the NZ government (and thankfully, until now, rejected) from the UN committee of Justice suggesting that we introduce an investigation into our judicial system’s treatment of women. If it wasn’t so serious, it would be laughable. 

However, in spite of their obvious failings, occasionally they get it right. 

It would appear that they are emerging from the debate about the effectiveness of lockdowns as one of the few international agencies who backed the right horse. 

Although it is too early to say “I told you so”, evidence from multiple studies suggest the benefits, even in the number of lives saved, is far outwayed by the cost of those mitigating responses measured in humanitarian concerns. It is clear that the cost is greatest in the poorer states who have been pushed closer to bankruptcy with unsustainable debt that has markedly increased the levels of poverty amongst the lower classes. 

In other words, our government’s advocacy of lockdowns, and karguably the reason behind the landslide 2020 election result, is proving to be a failure of judgement that will almost certainly come to charge at the next general election - if not before! Voters in this democracy have a tendency to be compliant with authoritarian policies so long as they appear to be working but are equally unforgiving if the Empress and her sycophantic cabal are exposed as having no clothes. 

It is interesting to note that the WHO have at least been consistent since the beginning of the pandemic on why we would have to face the consequences of our governments misguided justification for these draconian measures that played fast and loose with our freedoms. 

But failed strategies are only half the problem when trying to plot a sustainable course of action post pandemic. And herein lies the problem. 

While offering the right advice on lockdowns, WHO are not blameless when it comes to investigating the origin of the virus. 

Given the collusion of corrupt world health leaders in the obvious coverup of China’s involvement, we are unlikely to ever find out who is to blame and it is important that we do in order to prepare for future outbreaks that could be even more deadly. 

In the meantime, down here in the South Pacific, we are doing our best to repair the damage of the lockdowns. 

For me, one thing is clear. 

Our economy is built almost entirely on the strength of those who test their skills against the elements every day. They take risks that ensure that they alone are the casualties of failed judgements. Their entrepreneurial abilities have resulted in our cornerstone industries consistently being responsible for economic recoveries after disasters like this one. 

It is about time that governments of Godzone acknowledge the nation’s dependency on those who have made it happen over the centuries. 

It’s also time to start listening to the advice from those who have proven records of success - throw away the craven search for idealogical purity. It has got us nowhere. 

We need leaders who are inclusive of all people in the decision making process. 

Enough of these fraudsters who don’t even have the guts to own up to their own mistakes. The world wants to buy what we have to offer so let’s not hinder the opportunity to make hay while the sun shines by restricting the activities of those who do best what needs to be done.

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.