The 2 Headed Horseman - COVID & SOCIAL JUSTICE - A Tale of 2 Continents

Jetting back in June after 3 weeks working in Europe to a U.S. that seems “on fire” across two juxtaposed fronts. The contrast between the two continents is stark. COVID-19 infections in Lombardi region, the Italian infection epicenter when I left in February are minuscule now.  Italians, normally an independent lot rallied together, not in small part because of extensive lock-down enforced by police checkpoints that issued fines for leaving one’s home without a permission slip.  We were sequestered in a compound near Cameri, Italy to ensure "our safety".   Gave me an opportunity to create a song I titled Cameri Prison Blues  (inspired by Johnny Cash). You can listen here 

   

And safe we stayed validated by weekly testing and a quarantine upon returning to Texas.  In contrast to my European experience, Texas Covid cases are skyrocketing.  American 's independent streak combined with arrogance and ignorance is unfortunately miring the U.S. with adverse health and economic consequences for who much longer than necessary.  Imposed on top of that unconscionable and discouraging policing have led to demonstrations and societal estrangement when many (including me) thought we were moving beyond these past disparities.  

Being sequestered in Italy facilitated ample opportunities for dialoguing with friends and colleagues comprising a diverse set of perspectives and demographics. What have I learned?  There is a wide range of perspectives-in some case a discouraging range on both sides.  Some people whom I greatly respect have viewpoints quite different than my own on the causes and appropriate protocols for COVID as well as the racial inequities and solutions.  Regarding COVID the consequences and real solutions will manifest on their own as COVID cares nothing for people’s biases or ignorance. 

Regarding social justice, I have long believed that applying the neo classical economic principles first articulated by Nobel prize winning economist Milton Friedman is the optimum path to wean social strife by increasing economic prosperity.  This approach is fully embraced by distinguished African American economists such a Dr. Thomas Sowell and Dr. Walter Williams who are backed by 50 years of empirical economic history.    

Dr. Sowell's own story and writings bears strong testament to this strategy. Growing up in Harlem, he dropped out of high school dropout and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He subsequently received a bachelor's degree in economics at Harvard, graduating magna cum laude, followed by a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from the prestigious University of Chicago.  Prof Sowell has served on the faculties of Cornell University and UCLA and written more than thirty books.  His recent interview explaining the “Myths of Inequality” is an enlightening overview to say the least.  Prof Walter Williams has a similar distinguished pedigree and economic viewpoint and perspective on the illusion of income inequality. 

But the rekindling of strife reminiscent of the 1960’s has given me pause. I remain convinced that the free market polices embraced by these economists (and many others) is the optimum strategy – not more bloated, ineffective government programs.  But as my discussions have revealed free market economic policies need to be implemented in conjunction with dialog and action that empowers.  This is eloquently penned by Heritage Foundation president Kay Cole James in two recent editorials (End Racism That Afflicts America's Soul Like a Cancer and "Our Nation is Not Yet Cleansed of Racism- Here is What We Should Do".    It must start with us. And we must start now.  But it is NOT demonstrations and shouting.  It is meaningful dialog where we listen to those who have pain and those who feel differently.  

Amen Kay.  It does start with me.  I’m on it!