"Based on the science."
California Governor Gavin Newsom assured voters during a press conference yesterday that his decision to reinstate the draconian COVID-19 lockdown orders and mask-wearing mandates was based on science, data, and common sense.
Both indoor and outdoor bars are now closed in California. In-store service at restaurants is banned, along with wineries, tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and cardrooms.
In some counties, gyms, hair salons, barbershops, other personal care services, indoor malls, offices in non-critical sectors, and places of worship were forced to shutter their doors.
Newsom also instituted a statewide mask requirement in all public places -- indoor or outdoor.
REMINDER: CA, you are now REQUIRED to wear a mask in public spaces.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 19, 2020
We’re seeing too many people with faces uncovered. Wearing a face covering is critical for keeping people safe and healthy, keeping businesses open and getting people back to work.
Do your part. Wear your mask.
WEAR. A. MASK.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 9, 2020
Despite Newsom's claims, there's no science to support the idea that mask-wearing is necessary in an outdoor setting. While Americans should use their own good judgment about wearing a mask in confined spaces, Newsom's outdoor mask mandate looks like yet another power grab by a politician worried more about covering himself than implementing good policy.
But there's an even larger, more concerning issue. The COVID-19 crisis has taught us that in many states, a governor's power is unlimited if he or she simply declares an "emergency." The state legislature has no power to limit Newson's authority. The people have no redress to unreasonable and draconian lockdown orders.
This kind of unlimited power flies in the face of the self-governance the Founders fought to obtain. Even if Governor Newsom's orders are reasonable given the circumstances, the people should have a greater voice in the decision-making process.
That's why we launched OpentheStates.com. We're not opposed to mask wearing or social distancing, but we do believe We the People should be calling the shots. Top-down mandates from governors and non-elected bureaucrats should not control the daily lives of American citizens for an indefinite amount of time.
To get involved in your state, click the red button below!
