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As a federal official, I do my best to stay out of state politics. But I have a constitutional duty to ensure states don’t trample on the rights of the people. @GovWhitmer’s latest order goes too far and will erode confidence in her leadership. She should immediately reassess it.
Most Michigan residents recognize the challenging circumstances and are willing to make considerable sacrifices to keep themselves and others safe. But several recent measures provide marginal benefits at best, while substantially heightening frustration and resentment.
Sensible instructions to practice social distancing, wear masks, and stay at home already do most of the work to reduce the virus’s spread. By pushing too far, the governor undermines her own authority and increases the likelihood people will not follow reasonable guidelines.
At the very least, government officials need to trust people with matters that are extremely low risk. There’s no compelling case for banning bicycle repair shops or landscaping services, or for prohibiting open retailers from selling items related to home and garden maintenance.
If the governor wants to sustain her order that people stay at home, then she must do her best to ensure they can pass the time engaged in activities and projects that bring them joy and satisfaction. Her latest measures do the opposite.
People will not long tolerate extraordinary restrictions on liberty that contribute so little to safety. Eventually, even basic measures, such as social distancing, will be ignored as people grow restless.
Other aspects of the governor’s order may also produce unintended and undesired consequences. For example, while she understandably doesn’t want too many people inside stores, a blanket limit may create long lines outside, which will put people in closer contact with one another.
The governor needs to allow communities and businesses to establish safety procedures based on actual conditions. Not every place has the same risks, and it’s not good governance, good health science, or good economics to pretend they do.
In a crisis, there’s no way to make things perfect. Government officials face considerable pressure and are bound to make mistakes. I’m confident @GovWhitmer means well, but I encourage her to reconsider her current approach. Bring everyone together to get us safely through this.
How about you help get tests available so we can know who has it and who doesn't?
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