http://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/07/americas-pandemic-policy-is-built-on-choosing-money-over-lives.html
The problem is there was never a choice. Money and health were aligned.
Taking strong, effective and early measures to limit and control the virus was the best way to help the economy.
After the dress rehearsal failed due to costume issues, hopefully the US will get it right on the second try. This isn't that hard a virus to stop. Mask up. Know that even people who feel fine could be infectious, and act accordingly. Have respect for others and generally believe the virus can be anywhere, including in your body fluids, so be careful around others. Act like were/you're one country, one people, with a shared environment and commitment to safety.
A 2 month lockdown, and then can gradually open schools in October. That's about the best we can hope for as of now. Probably some areas can open schools sooner. But you want to err on the side of caution. And do the reopenings gradually and carefully.
It ridiculously took until July to get a consensus on face masks. But at least now that it's largely in place (25 states have mandatory masks wearing), get transmission under control and defeat the virus. Trump could still largely end viral transmission and get schools reopened by election day. (Of course, that could have already been accomplished a few months ago if the virus was tackled head on in March/April/May).