The Devil’s Advocate and the Coronavirus Pandemic

A cynical friend, somewhat concerned
about his nearest and dearest,
and vulnerable rellies,
shocked me when he spoke of the pros and cons,
of the contagious virus and a population cull;
of the benefits to lawyers, insurers -
more work for him and his legal colleagues,
for actuaries with their algorithms,
actuarial ages, risk assessments,
changes to mortality tables,
revised predictions, lower life-spans,
reduced pension pay-outs;
herd immunity - and fewer beds blocked.