So what are the positives surrounding the Covid19 coronavirus?

strathspey wrote: »

In the same way that the new democratic structures of the former Eastern Europe were able to claim restitution for past communist endeavours would the world not be within their right to claim restitution from the Chinese government, through the WTO for example, for having facilitated the nurturing of the SARS epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic by not closing down their wildlife markets and clamping down on mythical remedies like rhino horn for impotence.

They could try, and receive a middle finger in response. The Chinese are already suggesting that the original transmission of the virus happened not in Wuhan, but likely outside their borders, but simply popped up on the radar in Wuhan. Also the link with wet markets is a theory, and not something that has been proven.

In any case, to suggest that China was responsible, and expect a favorable response shows a complete lack of understanding of Chinese culture. Nobody is to blame except for whatever/whoever scapegoat they find. The PRC will not accept responsibility for something like this, because Chinese culture prohibits accepting responsibility. It would be a massive loss of face to admit such a thing, and would mean the end of the Communist party as a ruling body.

So. Not going to happen. Trying to push China into making restitution would fuel the anti-foreign sentiment both within the party and the general population.. leading to far more aggressive behavior in Asia. Think the versailles treaty with Germany, but with Hitler already in power when it's accepted. The rhetoric, and speeches would galvanize the hardliners (of which there are tens/hundreds of millions) into support for conflict. Simply to show that they're not weak and refuse to be bullied by the West. Again. They have never forgotten past perceived slights by western nations going all the way back to the Boxer revolution..

So.. if you want a genuine World War with a nuclear power not afraid to use (and no morals against the use of) nuclear/chemical/biological weapons... then sure... it's a wonderful idea.

Or just be diplomatic, and be patient while China stumbles along trying to shut down the exotic trade, and the wet markets themselves. I'd say the wet markets will be gone in a decade, and the exotic trade will disappear underground in a major way. Given time, they'll fix these problems themselves, simply because the Communist party cannot allow such a system to continue because they don't control it. Internal Public image is important to them, and the virus has become very public.. they'll make the right moves, because they need to regain the faith of those who are angry over mistreatment or stupidity during the quarantine.

Seeking an apology or restitution will not solve the problem. Understanding Chinese culture and supporting China in this will. You could also push for wet markets to end in the rest of Asia, and Africa too. Along with greater checks on the exotic trade which is already illegal, but do so at source rather than at China. It'll be far more likely to produce a favorable result than pushing China into a corner.

Maybe all other businesses except the betting industry ones will re-open.

Braids wrote: »

Also now is the time to QUIT SMOKING.
Breath deep - get through the average 7 minutes of craving and then move on. Keep busy. Chew gum (lesser evil).

Why are you paying big bucks anyway for a Director of the Cigarette company to enjoy their life (most don't smoke - betcha didn't know that) while Ladies/Gents you are developing eye wrinkles, polluted lungs and additionally related health problems connected with your smokes?

I type medical GP letters and reports for a living and the main concern of medical Consultants is - if the patient is a smoker.

QUIT. Remember if anything in life is worth wanting, it's life itself. Be beautiful - grow to love and protect yourself during this time.

While I have no issue with other people making their own personal choice to stop smoking... bugger off. Seriously. My smoking habit is none of your business. Look to your own affairs.