> The U.S. response has been extremely variable

Yes, the US has failed as a nation in its covid response.

You claim Australia's health measures are now "normalized" which is absurd. They are abnormal measures to deal with an abnormal situation.

Let's make a bet: I bet Australia will remove its lockdown restrictions when either the covid case numbers are under control or it decides to just give up and let covid infections rise (like the UK did).

You bet the lockdowns are "normalized" and Australia remains an "authoritarian regime".

Let's see who turns out to be right.