The Magical Moving Goalposts of Government Control
Monday, May 18
As we move from lockdown to "normal" life again, our government is up to familiar tricks.
First we were told extraordinary measures were necessary to combat the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic. Now, we’re being told by some government officials that our economy should not reopen, because “people will get sick.”
Throughout this traumatic chapter in our history, the American people have shown incredible resilience. This isn’t a surprise. But another thing that isn’t surprising either is how our government attempts to justify itself.
The original reasoning for following the lockdown mitigation protocol was to keep our medical system from being overwhelmed. For the most part, hospitals were able to handle the influx of coronavirus patients. Yet, the hospitals have lost millions of dollars and furloughed hundreds of thousands of staff, because elective surgeries are not being performed and fewer patients are walking through the doors.
So what does our government decide to do? Why, find a new way to justify itself of course!
In reopening the economy, no one wants to see others suffer. Within the Convention of States family, we have members who’ve tested positive, been hospitalized, and had their family members affected.
Does anyone actually believe that the government can protect us from a virus? It certainly would be nice if that were the case. Practicing defiance with common sense compliance should continue. Extending this lockdown is simply government attempting to justify intrusive control of our lives.
The Framers were equally as prescient. Government unchecked exists to serve its needs instead of responding to the will of the people. This is true at all levels of government, and it is up to us to stand in the breech. Otherwise, the Constitution is only a parchment barrier to tyranny.
The Convention of States Project engages in the political process at several levels. Today, we have an opportunity to make a difference in Missouri. We need you to make your voice heard.
A recently proposed rule change for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is very troubling. This rule change would authorize a non-elected state bureaucrat to order schools to close, quarantine individuals and order other public places to close when a local health authority or the DHSS Director determines the closure is necessary to protect public health.
Bureaucratic officials would have this authority whether or not a State of Emergency is declared by Missouri’s Governor.
Convention of States Missouri believes this rule change is unconstitutional. We oppose this power grab. Moreover, no public hearings will be held.
The Time to Act is Now
The comment period on the DHSS rule change ends May 31, 2020. So, watch your email for a Call to Action in the coming days. Use that CTA to contact your legislators and write a letter to the Director of DHSS.
We will make this super easy to do. Your fellow Missourians need you now. Step up in the spirit of the colonial minutemen. We cannot stand by and watch our liberties be taken away.
In liberty,
Brett
