Signs of the Times: Facing Coronavirus

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On Meet the Press this morning, David Brooks struck a chord about the sense of dread we are all experiencing (at least those of us who pay attention). Speaking of the 1918 epidemic when we lost 675,000 Americans to the flu, Brooks notes we didn't want to talk about it afterward.

"And that's because they were ashamed of how they behaved," the New York Times columnist says. "And so this is going to be not only a health crisis and a financial crisis. It's how we treat each other is going to deteriorate and we're not going to like who we're about to become."

It reminded me of something I saw earlier on Twitter:

why do we think the 1918 pandemic figures so little in the art of the 1920s? or am I just reading the wrong stuff
— Jake Anbinder (@JakeAnbinder) March 15, 2020

I've been collecting some photos and screenshots that give a small glimpse into how we are behaving as we face this unparalleled financial and humanitarian crisis.

As we go forward, let's try to keep the big picture in mind.
Tweet from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto

Sign at Lakewood Einstein Bagels. I heard Starbucks is doing this too, but I am not sure of the rationale.
Empty shelves at Uptown CVS

Empty shelves at Oak Lawn Kroger

Empty bin at Oak Lawn Kroger

Oak Lawn Kroger

Oak Lawn Kroger



Screenshot of toilet paper on Amazon. I read the company is taking measures to prevent price gouging. 

Tom Thumb on Mockingbird Lane. Perhaps they were cleaning and not out of chicken.

Tom Thumb on Mockingbird

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