Over a million people in the US died of COVID (officially), and untold more developed permanent injuries as a side effect of being infected. What "cost" are we paying from lockdowns, compared to the cost in lives and lost potential?

That's a non sequitur. There's no reliable evidence that more people would have died without lockdowns. The lockdowns were an irrational overreaction and largely ineffective.

Sure, but certainly more people would have gotten sick. And if they get sick all at once, the medical system is overwhelmed and those without treatment would die.

The argument is only rhetorical because all governments in every country imposed some sort of lockdown or everyone stayed home willingly.

As I read before, this article[0] summarises quite well what I think about people who spout this bullshit about economies and markets during a fucking pandemic. It's their Moloch.

For this kind of people, capitalist supremacists, sacrifice of human lives to the market is ok, might be "sad" but it's necessary in their worldview.

[0] https://kitanyaharrison.medium.com/the-economy-of-moloch-hum...

>Evil capitalist are the ones generating obscene amounts of food

Hold on now, there is just not that many of the rich to eat!

And a lot of people died or suffered injuries due to lack of routine medical care.

The mental health problems for many have been enormous.

There are huge educational gaps that have been created due to missed school.

Inflation from overspending is ruining many peoples lives.