The reason I’ve been so focused on the issue of erosion of personal liberty throughout this #COVID19 situation is that the virus will eventually go away and become a memory. But increases in state power and reductions in personal liberty have a way of sticking around afterwards.

It’s been almost 20 years since 9/11 and we’re still living with the consequences of dramatic increases in state power and increased U.S. military adventurism around the world. A different type of crisis to be sure, but the threat to personal liberty is perhaps greater here.

None of the above means we shouldn’t take wise precautions when it comes to the virus. The virus and it’s real and potential health consequences is serious business. But we shouldn’t willingly hand over our precious, precious liberties out of temporary fear.