I'm a huge fan of King's early stuff and had read the 800p "The Stand" half a dozen times before the 1200p version was released. I didn't notice anything in the long form that added to the story. I say his editors were right to cut it the first time.
This is an unpopular opinion, but I really think you can skip 400 pages without losing anything.
As far as pandemic themed books, "The Stand" by Stephen King wears the crown.
"The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton isn't bad, either.
Thanks.
I'm not a country fan, but gained respect for the Dixie Chicks when they went anti-Bush.
Fuck that, I do not concede the point. At least, I don't concede that humans are /more/ selfish than we are compassionate. Our emotional wiring evolved for hundred-human tribes that required a lot more empathy and cooperation than competition.
You don't have to go so far as to disincentivize greed. Greed is socially useful in small doses. Adam Smith wasn't a total idiot. Just stop letting the people who shape society make it so only the greedheads survive.
@music
Found it. Scapegoat Wax, "Girl in Aisle Ten".
I just had to throw aisle numbers into a video search long enough.
I brute forced it! :)