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A comment on Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’s did not. Parent comment

Re:Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’... by linuxhansl on Sunday April 26, 2020 @04:03PM (#22989750)
I agree generally that at some point we will cross the line where the economic and financial harm will outweigh the harm from Covid-19. (The trick is know when that line is reached. Apparently the EPA values a human life at about $7m. Other calculation come to about $130k/year.)

Couple of point (all my opinions):

1. Without the "hoaxers" and deniers we would be able to trust the people to "observ[e][...] sanitization & social distancing measures". To some extend the strict measures are necessary due to those groups.

2. Concussions are not contagious, so the NFL players are making decisions about their own health only. With Covid-19 you take responsibility for _other_ people.

3. The fact that one can be financially ruined this way points to deeper problems in society that should be fixed. Rather than forcing sick people back to work and putting the ethical dilemma of working vs. the safety of others on them, we should support those in need.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’... by listenallyall on Sunday April 26, 2020 @04:35PM (#22990039)
High-school and junior-league football involves far more participants, at much greater risk, due to their still-developing bodies and brains, with much less ability to make wise decisions about their long-term health. Yet despite research clearly demonstrating risks, virtually all attempts to reduce or ban it have failed. Gov Cuomo certainly isn't having daily press conferences about it.

>> Bills seeking to ban tackle football for kids under 12 or 14 have been proposed — and failed — in five states to date

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2019/03/04/football-ba...

>> none of those proposed bans have come close to being passed into law

https://www.boston.com/sports/parenting/2019/03/03/massachus...

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Re:Seattle’s leaders let scientists take the lead, New York’... by linuxhansl on Monday April 27, 2020 @03:30AM (#22993711)
FWIW, I agree with you. I don't watch football, and I strongly believe that these kids should be protected.

At the same time you cannot _possibly_ be serious about equating the NFL drafts with the Corona virus safety measures in terms of their impact on other people and harm that can be caused!

That's like saying "Well, I might have engaged in risky behavior, but I won't practice safe sex now because these people I met last week didn't wear their seatbelts."

[ Parent | on HN ]