American exceptionalism is premised on an unparalleled elevation of personal liberty as paramount.  The Declaration of Independence recites “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as primary values, but the COVID-19 pandemic has jumbled these three into conflict – with life threatened, both liberty and economic prosperity are in jeopardy.  Our lives are threatened with doom; gloom hovers over our liberties and economy. America has many times been compelled to balance its citizens’ vital interests between this Scylla and Charybdis.  Presently both menacing shores are shrouded in mist – the degree of threat to human health a terrifying whirlpool, pushing us toward the many-headed beast of economic destruction.  An implosion of the economy could exceed the threat to human life posed by the coronavirus – but it is uncertain how severe is the medical emergency. In truth, only in hindsight will we know exactly how best to...(Read Full Post)