Who gets to determine which goods and services are "essential" and "non-essential" during the COVID-19 crisis?
In a republic such as ours, one would assume that our elected representatives would be the ones to make such determinations. After all, we've elected them to make these kinds of difficult decisions and represent our will in governing.
But that's not what's happening. In states and localities around the country, governors and mayors are unilaterally deciding to tank certain businesses while keeping others afloat.
David Harsanyi but it well for National Review:
Under what imperious conception of governance does Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer believe it is within her power to unilaterally ban garden stores from selling fruit or vegetable plants and seeds? What business is it of Vermont or Howard County, Ind., to dictate that Walmart, Costco, or Target stop selling “non-essential” items, such as electronics or clothing? Vermont has 628 cases of coronavirus as of this writing. Is that the magic number authorizing the governor to ban people from buying seeds for their gardens?
Maybe a family needs new pajamas for their young kids because they’re stuck a new town. Or maybe mom needs a remote hard drive to help her work remotely. Or maybe dad just likes apples. Whatever the case, it’s absolutely none of your mayor’s business.
It makes sense for places like Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland to ban large, avoidable gatherings. But it is an astonishing abuse of power to issue stay-at-home orders, enforced by criminal law, empowering police to harass and fine individuals for nothing more than taking a walk.
Want to help re-open your state but don't know where to start? Check out a new initiative from Convention of States Action, OpenTheStates.com.
At OpenTheStates.com, you can get plugged in with local and state groups working to re-start our nation's economy and get Americans back to work. We've also included tools and resources that will let you petition the President and Congress to re-open the states and contact your local government officials.
The American people cannot abandon self-governance in a time of crisis. We must use our common sense to keep our families safe while also maintaining our livelihoods. Most importantly, we have to hold our elected officials accountable when they abuse their power and overstep their authority.
