We believe that Democrats have made a strategic error by embracing a prolonged shutdown of America. The coronavirus pandemic should be an apolitical event that brings Americans together. At times, President Trump and Governors, both Republican and Democratic, have worked closely together in a cooperative and bipartisan fashion. Yet, more often than not, the Democratic opposition has attacked Trump for his coronavirus response, trying to portray his every move as a mistake. Indeed, whatever Trump does, Democrats immediately say the opposite.
With Trump now pushing for the reopening of America, Democrats are intent on saying that we need a prolonged shutdown of America’s businesses. Blue state Governors like Michigan’s Gretchen Witmer, Virginia’s Ralph Northam, California’s Gavin Newsom, and Connecticut’s Ned Lamont seem to be outdoing themselves in attempting to block Americans from exercising their rights to peacefully assemble and make their own decisions on how to live their rights. We highlight some of the most ridiculous steps taken:
- Banning walking outside without wearing a mask
- Flying drones overhead citizens to monitor whether they are practicing social distancing
- Shutting down religious services
- Suggesting that Americans will be forced to stay indoors, our schools closed, sports events cancelled for up to 12-24 months
- Making it illegal for doctors to prescribe hydroxychloroquine to coronavirus patients
- Arresting small business owners that want to re-open
Everyday Americans are not reacting well to the authoritarian overreach of government. They want to start eating at restaurants, watching baseball, and going to the beach. Americans should be free to make their own decisions about what health risks they are willing to take. In Connecticut, police departments have been using drones to monitor whether citizens are using sufficient social distancing, prompting universal concerns over privacy. In California, the Governor tried to prevent citizens from walking on beaches and parks. In Virginia, the Governor banned church services with more than 10 people.
We believe that Democrats have made a tragic choice embracing authoritarianism and lockdown in a misinformed response to Trump and his handling of the coronavirus. Historically, Democrats embraced civil liberties and free speech. They would be wise to switch course and embrace the re-opening of our economy. If they don’t, we believe they will pay a historic price at the ballot box in November.
NewEnglandPolitics.com 