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Disasters

At the end of the day it is the state that could mobilise manpower and resources to deal with crises.
In the era of neoliberal capitalism the state has retreated and social services have been cut. Priorities have been given to PR, "NOG's", "aid",  "war on terror", finance, and wars for geopolotical interests. 

The smaller the state, the argument foes, the better it works for the private sector and for individuals freedoms. Thus, the kings have become the shareholders and the motto "get richer". 

 Now we see even the defenders of the system, the worshipers of "liberal democracy" (i.e. capitalist globalisation and capital accumulation), have woken up and they are digging for warnings that were made and governments that were unprepared.

 Here is a good summary in this FT article.

 "The virus started to feel real to Europeans only when Europeans were suffering. Logically, it was always clear that the disease could strike middle-class people who enjoy skiing holidays in Italy; emotionally, we seemed unable to grasp that fact until it was too late."
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