The number of corona cases is rising again. This is probably not least due to the colder season. In addition, however, there are very strong regional discrepancies that are difficult to explain.
We support the concept that face-masks, spacing and hygiene rules are important measures against the spread of the virus. But these measures should be better communicated and coordinated. We are extremely critical of further lockdowns, closings and curfews , a view that is now also expressed in a recent statement by the World Health Authority (WHO).
Dr. David Nabarro, envoy of the WHO, urged world leaders in an appeal to stop “using lockdowns as your primary control method,” and to instead allow people to live their lives as normal. Continuing to lock down businesses, sports facilities and other societal necessities will only lead to more misery, more poverty and ultimately more death, Nabarro warned.
In many western countries, the corona crisis is undoubtedly being used to undermine protests and to paralyze progressive movements. This is especially true in Latin American countries controlled by right-wing governments.
It is therefore important that there are now many voices in Germany, Europe and other countries who warn of a massive dismantling of fundamental rights and freedoms. The social and economic consequences of lockdowns, unemployment, homelessness and impoverishment must be criticized as well as the trivialization or even complete denial of Covid-19.
The fact that many people are missing important surgery and other treatments also needs to be addressed
The rich and the billionaires need to pay for the crisis
Left organisations in particular are demanding that the wealthy and especially the super-rich should pay for the crisis. But instead, their wealth continues to grow excessively. The priority must be to massively increase taxes on large assets. The health care system must be massively strengthened financially and personally. In this context we refer to the werhatdergibt.org initiative, which recently organized protests in Germany. In the meantime there is even an initiative of the wealthy to support these positions.
Protests against Corona-Measures
Under no circumstances should we join protests which are supporting anti-communism and mostly deny any difference between the left and the right. It is quite common to critize China and leftist movements. The protests, especially those of the Querdenken-Movement in Germany and their prominent speakers, are heavily influenced by these opinions and even the german rightwing political party AFD is involved on the sidelines. At the same time many many young people are joining the movement and this makes reactionary influences less visible.
Very important are “alternative” media platforms which are supporting the movement. The risk of Covid-19 is very often downplayed, face masks are usually regarded as nonsense and unfortunately quite a few scientists and physicians have joined this movement.
It is wrong to downplay the risk represented by the Covid-19 disease, which is relatively dangerous, although the risk must always be always seen in comparison with other health hazards. Any form of scaremongering need to be avoided and the situation should be presented transparently in order to get broader public support.
Solidarity with China, Russia and Cuba
We fully support China, Russia and Cuba, who have made the greatest possible efforts in order to bring aid to the most hard hit places in this crisis. That is why we also supported the “Nobel Prize for Cuba” initiative. In addition, Russia and China have provided extensive international aid and together with Cuba have sent medical teams to other countries. Vaccines that have in the meanwhile been made available by both Russia and China are generally to be welcomed, especially since they are offered at a very low cost and are available to all countries
On the other hand, a healthy amount of mistrust in vaccines and drugs developed by western pharmaceutical companies is quite appropriate. Experiences in the past has shown that, among other things, profit interests come very often before anything else in these companies. At the same time, we would like to thank all medical staff and medics for their commitment and express our solidarity.
It is improtant to note that in the USA alone, more than 1,000 corona deaths have been reported among medical personnel. 500 people who worked in the medical field are said to have died in Russia. Alarming numbers are also reported from Italy, Spain, France and the UK.
Western sanctions are acts of war and must end
The global COVID-19 pandemic and global economic crash challenge all humanity. Western hypocracy is reaching a new climax when economic sanctions are used to block essential medicines and food. They are a weapon of Economic War, resulting in chronic shortages of basic necessities, economic dislocation, chaotic hyperinflation, artificial famines, disease, and poverty.
Sanctions violate international law and are a tool of regime change. They are a crime against humanity used, like military intervention, to topple popular governments and movements. They provide economic and military support to pro-western right-wing forces.
Here some important current figures (October 23, 2020):
USA (330 million inhabitants) +854 deaths (24 hours) 16,205 intensive care patients
Russia (145 million inhabitants) +283 deaths (24 hours) 2,300 intensive care patients
Iran (81 million inhabitants) +335 deaths (24 hours) 4,933 intensive care patients LINK
Netherlands (17 million inhabitants) +46 deaths (24 hours) 483 intensive care patients
France (66 million Population) +162 deaths (24 hours) 2,319 intensive care patients
Italy (60 million inhabitants) +136 deaths (24 hours) 992 intensive care patients
Spain (47 million inhabitants) +155 deaths (24 hours) 1,966 intensive care patients
Germany (80 million inhabitants) +45 deaths (24 hours) 1,030 intensive care patients
Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
further information:
https://cooptv.wordpress.com/category/corona/
Heinrich Bücker, Coop Anti-War Cafe Berlin, October 23, 2020