Maybe. But before I succumb to paranoia, let's go to Occam's Razor and see if there's a simpler solution.

And there is: straight up fucking incompetence and cold-heartedness. Everything you're describing can be explained as shortsighted, penny-wise-pound-foolish thinking, and too much influence from people who would rather their neighbor die than their worldview.

We know America is packed with authoritarians - the entire right wing. But they're the ones who are taking your side - and unlike others, they've proven it.

I going to hold off on COVID paranoia for the time being. Not saying you're wrong, just too many easier explanations. And I'll be damned if I'm going to play into the right's hands and help the people who we know are DEFINITELY trying to extinguish freedom and democracy.