Echoes of the Great Famine in the Covid Era

 Robert Billard draws parallels between the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) and the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights how government actions in both crises exacerbated suffering and stripped individuals of their freedoms.

1. Government Response to Crises:

• In both instances, real biological threats existed: the potato blight in Ireland and the coronavirus globally.

• Governments made choices that intensified suffering rather than alleviating it. During the famine, British policies prioritized exports over the needs of starving Irish people. In 2020, lockdowns and mandates prioritized control over personal liberties.

2. Impact of Policies:

• The article discusses how British policies during the Irish famine allowed food exports while locals starved due to a reliance on potatoes as a staple food. Simultaneously, the absence of timely and adequate relief caused further suffering among the Irish.

• In the Covid era, governmental restrictions led to significant economic downturns, mental health crises, and educational setbacks for children, all while leaders enforced measures that often favored the wealthy and well-connected.

3. Loss of Liberties:

• The Irish lost access to food and land, while Covid restrictions imposed limitations on personal freedoms, silencing dissent and enforcing mandates such as lockdowns and mask-wearing.

• Billard argues that both historical episodes show governments treating people as subjects rather than free individuals, leading to prolonged suffering instead of effective aid.

4. Role of the State:

• The state positioned itself as a savior in both situations but ultimately deepened the crises. For the Irish famine, halting exports and redirecting aid could have mitigated suffering. Similarly, targeted protections during Covid might have reduced harm without overreaching mandates.

5. Lessons on Governance:

• The author reflects on the importance of liberty, saying trust in individuals to manage their lives is crucial. Government intervention should not micromanage personal choices.

• The article concludes that both crises showcase the risks of seeing citizens as subjects needing control instead of sovereign individuals capable of making choices.

Billard emphasizes the need to learn from the past. The operate in crises should foster humility, not arrogance, to prevent repeating mistakes that lead to widespread suffering and erosion of freedoms. Trust in people’s autonomy should be reinstated to build resilience against future challenges. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/echoes-of-the-great-famine-in-the-covid-era/