- Question
COVID-19: Are government resources better spent on public health or stimulating the economy?
Much of the world is now in lockdown to protect populations from the deadly spread of coronavirus. Yet, the US government is looking into an alternative approach. The latest statements from Donald Trump insist that 'the cure...[cannot be] worse than the disease'. These comments mark a striking policy difference to the rest of the world. Namely, they place more value on economic growth than on human life. During this unique pandemic, are government funds better spent on public health, or on stimulating the economy?
This is a false dichotomy
This position holds that pitting public health against the economy during Covid-19 is a false dichotomy. It argues that the two are intertwined — neglecting public health triggers a damaging chain of events, including economic ruin — and that hardline economism obscures this reality.
Government resources are better spent on economic growth
This position holds that, during Covid-19, government resources are better spent on the economy than on public health. It argues that keeping people from work risks a protracted crisis, that low-case regions suffer disproportionately, and a minority's needs can't outweigh the nation's future.
Government resources are better spent on public health
This position holds that during Covid-19 government resources are better spent on public health than on the economy. It argues that life is sacred and the state's primary role is to protect its citizens — and that a strong economy ultimately depends on a healthy, able workforce anyway.