This pandemic is a world changing event

SOME THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME

EVENTS WILL SHAPE THE BEHAVIOR OF THIS GENERATION

My parents, who were adults during the depression and World War 2, were permanently changed by those events. They were very frugal, avoided debt and found pleasure in simple everyday activities. They were strong on family and personal responsibility. They had been tested and their whole life was influenced by the events of that time. 

This Virus pandemic is going to change many for the rest of their lives. It is also going to bring into review many things that will now be permanent changes in the future. 

It is likely that business meetings that require flying around the country or even the world will be replaced by video and telephone conferencing. It is unlikely that they will return to the former level. Many companies were seeking to downsize this activity and now it will become reality.

It is unlikely that we will see a return to huge ocean liners with thousands of people on board, often advertised at low prices. Expect to see smaller less cramped and much more exclusive and more expensive replacements.

It will take a long time for international travel to return to past levels. It may be a boom to travel within the USA. It is likely with the elimination of much business travel, it will require fewer flights with increased pricing. Weak airlines will not survive this event.

Many restaurants will never reopen. It is always a difficult business, often a romantic endeavor, usually not a great profit-making business. Those with debt and high overhead will not be able to weather the storm. It will take years and maybe never to return to its former volume of business.

People may actually slow down and reevaluate their lives. Do the kids really need to play 4 sports? Maybe many will find satisfaction in their homes and lose the need for so much outside stimulus. It can be fun to cook at home. Many are going to be amazed at how much money they now have by eating out less.

Dependence on foreign made products will require some new thinking. International trade is a good thing, but there are times when it is not a good thing to be unable to supply your basic needs. It is in the interest of National security to have the ability to quickly produce the basic necessities of survival. We do have a strong food and energy producing ability, but many other necessities are no longer made here. We can hope that that concern is addressed in a rational and objective way, not with cries of racism and xenophobia.

These are just some of the possible changes for the future. The virus will go away, but its effects may be felt for decades.

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