The Lessons of the Lockdown are many, and history will record them much more clearly in the fullness of time. Here is a shortlist of thoughts that occur to me as I observe what is happening around me. These thoughts are more tactical than they are strategic, but they are still substantive in nature.

1. We are not good at communicating critical social messages to the citizens of America despite the most sophisticated media network in the world. Too much incorrect information is disseminated.
2. Bureaucrats, as with politicians at all levels of government, require term limits.
3. Centralized governments tend to be far too bureaucratic and slow-moving, especially when it comes to responding to emergencies.
4. State governors are politicians first; they are not very good as managers and leaders.
5. Small businesses and individual citizens must be agile and flexible. Agile because we must be able to stop on a dime and change direction. Flexible because change is with us every day.
6. The American people are very resilient but can become impatient if they do not see the light at the end of the tunnel.
7. We have lost sight of many essential ideas and practices that served us well in times of trouble.
8. Family, friends, and community are significant factors in the social fabric of our country. We deny these extraordinary relationships at our peril.
9. The seven deadly sins are still with us, and human nature is still human nature.
10. There is a severe leadership vacuum around the world. I am not sure why this is.
11. Globalization is defensible up to a point, but its downside can be horrific.
12. America’s leadership must start thinking strategically regarding all aspects of our society.
13. Many citizens have become far too casual and uninvolved in the affairs of our country.  Being a citizen requires study, practice, and action.
14. The infrastructure, systems, and supply chains of our country are quite fragile and easily damaged and compromised.
15. China has demonstrated that it is not a benign member of the community of nations.

Lessons learned are a critical part of life.  I hope we use the COVID-19 Pandemic as an object lesson in thinking strategically.

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