Two groups of governors, on the east and west coasts, are teaming together with their epidemiologists and planning how to re-open the economy. Stepwise, and only when indicated by a “flattening curve” of COVID-19 cases and better oversight.
The president just stated that he, not any governors, will decide when and how to open the country for business. When asked what gave him that authority, I saw and heard him say, “I have the authority because I have the authority.” Direct quote. No logical thought — just (as he said a few days ago, when a reporter asked about data), “Whatever’s in my head is all I need.”
That’s not how the Founding Fathers designed our democracy. Thank you to the governors for going ahead anyway.
— Vivian Mendenhall
Anchorage
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