Trump’s “metrics right here” not required

President Trump stated on Friday April 10, when US infections approached the half million mark, that he wants to re-open the economy. He said it would be “the biggest decision he has ever had to make”. Answering the question from a reporter as to what metrics he would be using to make this decision, he said: “the metrics right here” whilst pointing at the side of his head.

The President has got it wrong. His biggest decision is a different one. This is his opportunity to change the USA and maybe the World. This is his opportunity and it’s handed to him on a silver platter, only he hasn’t seen it.

The President feels trapped by the corona health emergency and he is responding (badly) on a tactical level. He misses the vision to understand the strategic opportunity in front of him. (For more on this opportunity see my next article)

The question of when to re-open the economy, however ill-timed, is a crucial one: you get it wrong and you risk sickness, death, poverty, frustration, recession, all on a massive scale. With a population that has stockpiled weapons, getting this wrong is a recipe for disaster. Trump better have clear alternatives, good information and accurate cost/benefits analysis to drive his decision.

But this question is ill-timed because it detracts from the cause: the spreading…