I've read about the 1918 flu epidemic, and seen graves where people who died in it were buried. I didn't realize it was that small a percentage.

I think about the people I know and my neighborhoods. If 40% of those folks died society would change, and change fast and I'm afraid for the worst.

I believe there would be attempts at a repressive, coersive government in order to "protect" people, religious enclaves attempting to enforce their doctrine on large areas, massive looting. An interesting effect might be that the 1.5% of the population now in prison would probably be among the best protected, or worst. They may be released in the chaos and have a profound effect upon the new society.

Which would be largely lawless except for the armed forces, which would be looking out for themselves and the Feds.

Grim.

Arf