I don't know if what you're describing is what's actually behind the changes going on, but it sure fits what I've been feeling. I get more and more disheartened by what I see this country becoming. If the Republicans take back the Congress next year, I really think I may move overseas, to any country that will have an aging writer without savings.

You're right, COVID changed the equation, made a lot of us rethink how we define quality of life. I'd give anything to live around and among people again, but not until it's reasonably safe.