THIS IS STILL AMERICA

I’m writing this on Memorial Day. It is quite ironic that we celebrate the memory of those who died for our freedom in the face of one of the biggest freedom grabs in our history. I continue to be amazed and confounded by the blatant attempt by some politicians trying to take on dictatorial power and destroy our Constitution. Every day we hear of another overreach by some Mayor or Governor in an attempt to force a way of life on a citizenry who opposes that way of life. What is even more amazing is the number of free American citizens who seem to be okay with all this.

When this “pandemic” was first identified and announced, all of us could see the need to alter our lives to accommodate the curve flattening idea. Well, we flattened the curve. But we have since learned a few more things. First, it seems that the death rate from this virus is much lower than originally advertised. It is something less than one percent of those who get sick from the disease. Secondly, it appears most of the people who have died also had other compromising conditions which led to their deaths. Most were elderly and many were in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. New York even required individuals with the disease to be sent to these types of facilities thereby infecting the entire home.

Don't get me wrong. I understand this is a deadly virus. I further understand we must be careful until we get a vaccine. But we absolutely cannot destroy our economy and our way of life waiting for these medicines. It is reasonable to expect people to be careful but it is absolutely unreasonable to require or expect American citizens to bow to tin gods who happen to hold elective office. In New Jersey a private gym was closed by order of the Governor. When the owners of that gym objected, the Governor had the locks changed on their private business. Are you kidding me? I wish I was. These gym owners have filed an action against the Governor and I am certain New Jersey will be required to rechange the locks and pay a hefty amount to the gym owners. 

Attention Governors, Mayors, and other so-called leaders. This is still America. Americans can be trusted to deal with issues like viruses without "executive orders." Just because you won an election, that doesn't grant you monarchy. Let the people know the truth and they can and will handle it. 

Of course the obvious is that the most restrictive states and cities are led by Democrats. Coincidence? I think not. I am sure their goal is to keep everybody as scared as possible thereby opening the door for a takeover in November. They might first want to take a good look at their candidate. Every time he opens his mouth, he makes it clear that he is not ready for prime time. In fact, he just shows what a moron he really is.  

But wait. This column was about Memorial Day. Indeed it was and is. It is about those who gave their all that we might continue to be free and never to be in a position of bowing to slick talking politicians. We will very soon be on the other side of this infection. The question is, will the would-be dictators be able to return to reality? Will elected officials get the message that they are not in charge? We, the people, are responsible for ourselves. We don't handle orders very well, especially when those orders are illegal. 

A number of lawsuits will be adjudicated and a large number of elected individuals are going to be quite disappointed. We the people, however, will return to our lives, perhaps a bit smarter, but for a certainty even less inclined to obey illegal "executive orders."

Ron Scarbro Memorial Day 2020