Like a lot of people, Ricky Sandler’s had a rough few months. Quite bullish on stocks at the beginning of the year, the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic shutdown battered his portfolio. This, combined with being cooped up inside, has made him, like many others, reflect upon what should come next.
We protect the vulnerable population and then allow and even encourage the rest of the population to get back to normal life. With proper coordination, I can envision popular recording artists hosting virus relief concerts where young and healthy people go and hopefully get the virus and then the antibodies which allow them to donate blood to be used as a treatment or a prophylactic. Some of these people may even benefit as they are new to learn they have some compromise in their immune system. Citizens that don’t feel comfortable reengaging in the economy are free to wear masks and gloves to the grocery store and continue to shelter in place. Widespread testing should be available soon, so we know if it’s safe to visit our friends and family. But in plan B, those citizens that are comfortable go back to life as we know it with no restrictions. Individuals protect themselves and their families if they are worried. Businesses and institutions protect their employees including the vulnerable the best way possible.
But Ricky, you might say, if you are paying more attention to things than Ricky is, isn’t that the now widely discredited Swedish model, only souped-up to include adult chickenpox parties that will kill at least some of those revelers? Does this, perhaps, have something to do with your interest in recouping your losses and saving that rare and endangered species of which you count yourself a member, stock-picking hedge fund managers? Does this not make you no better than Elon Musk and Kelly Loeffler?
Well, dear, cynical reader, we can assure you that is not the case. Surely Sandler has some background expertise and basis for this solution, and has been taking the coronavirus very, very seriously, yes?
Sandler… has no medical experience….
Earlier this month, Sandler and his girlfriend sent out a prank invitation to a house party dubbed a “Memorial Day Bash,” according to a flyer obtained by CNBC. The invitation said it was supposed to take place Saturday, May 23, at his home in upscale Sag Harbor, New York. This came as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was continuing to put restrictions on large gatherings. “We’ve never been rule followers,” the invitation says…. As of earlier this week some of those invited were still RSVP’ing, apparently not aware that it was a joke.
America’s Virus Strategy [ichooseherdimmunity.com]
Fund manager who nailed recent bottom calls for ‘virus relief concerts’ where people intentionally get infected [MarketWatch]
Investor Ricky Sandler pushes for herd immunity approach to coronavirus after his hedge fund suffered losses [CNBC]