https://theweek.com/articles/925458/coronavirus-crisis-capitalism

In this article, Noah Millman analyzes the impact of recent government assistance programs and how these policies demonstrate the complexities of a capitalist economy that leans heavily on government aid. The author recounts a recent encounter with a restaurant owner who explained the effects the government’s loan has had on the restaurant industry. This restaurant owner, who Millman met because she was doubling as a waitress, explained that the government assistance deterred restaurant employees from coming to work. Although working, while still receiving government assistance, would increase employee’s pay, the risk of coronavirus infection from waiting tables dissuaded employees from coming to work. Additionally, because fewer customers are visiting restaurants, a limited supply of tables minimizes money from tips. However, even if the current government payouts are sufficient to keep workers at home, this solution is not sustainable. Because the government’s rationale behind their financial support for small business employees was to “freeze” the economy temporarily, while medical experts figured out how to solve the pandemic, it is clear this process cannot work much longer. With the death tolls of coronavirus rising, and no end to the pandemic in sight, the government cannot afford to offer this level of assistance forever.

The struggle to contain the virus, while helping usher employees back to work illustrates not only an economic dilemma, but a moral one. Millman captures this point succinctly: “On what basis can the government ever legitimately say: wait tables or you won't eat?” Because the government wants to ensure workers are being taken care of financially, it will likely continue to spend on their behalf. However, this approach undermines the root of capitalism — that a free market, without government assistance will naturally produce the goods and services society desires. Unfortunately, because of the moral concerns of forcing employees to go back to work, a capitalist model is insufficient to correct the economic pains of the coronavirus. Of course, restricting government assistance is not the remedy either, as this form of financial relief is the only backbone many Americans have. Yet, because such a solution cannot last forever, the government’s policy and financial guidance must be meticulously guided, understanding the weight each piece of fiscal policy carries in the pandemic.