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.
- 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.
- Bureaucrats, as with politicians at all levels of government, require term limits.
- Centralized governments tend to be far too bureaucratic and slow-moving, especially when it comes to responding to emergencies.
- State governors are politicians first; they are not very good as managers and leaders.
- 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.
- The American people are very resilient but can become impatient if they do not see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- We have lost sight of many essential ideas and practices that served us well in times of trouble.
- Family, friends, and community are significant factors in the social fabric of our country. We deny these extraordinary relationships at our peril.
- The seven deadly sins are still with us, and human nature is still human nature.
- There is a severe leadership vacuum around the world. I am not sure why this is.
- Globalization is defensible up to a point, but its downside can be horrific.
- America’s leadership must start thinking strategically regarding all aspects of our society.
- Many citizens have become far too casual and uninvolved in the affairs of our country. Being a citizen requires study, practice, and action.
- The infrastructure, systems, and supply chains of our country are quite fragile and easily damaged and compromised.
- 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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