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

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