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The Conversation USA

As states weigh human lives versus the economy, history suggests the economy often wins

  • Written by Peter C. Mancall, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of the Humanities, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
A 1620 engraving depicts tobacco being prepared for export from Jamestown, Virginia.Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Policymakers are beginning to decide how to reopen the American economy. Until now, they’ve largely prioritized human health: Restrictions in all but a handful of states remain in effect, and...

Read more: As states weigh human lives versus the economy, history suggests the economy often wins

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