Shutdown’s economic, emotional toll warrants reversing course
Flatten the curve? Yes. Massachusetts residents have successfully achieved that goal.
Flatten our economy? Let’s be very careful before we allow government to undo the decades of economic growth that made our commonwealth prosperous.
Yet when government moves the goal posts far beyond flattening the curve, it risks imposing unrealistic measures that have greatly diminishing health returns, combined with dire unintended consequences to the state as a whole.
Meanwhile, the emotional and economic toll that the commonwealth’s shutdown has on Massachusetts residents and their families is reason enough to correct course. We are watching as our friends, neighbors and family members lose their jobs, future opportunities and small businesses.
At the same time, we all hope and pray for an effective vaccine that greatly reduces or completely eliminates the coronavirus menace. Until scientific researchers develop that vaccine, our society must deal with today’s difficult and challenging reality.
Sadly, one piece of data is indisputable — 61% of deadly cases have taken their toll among our most vulnerable persons confined to nursing homes. Further complicating the situation is the fact that nursing homes are already among the institutions most regulated and scrutinized by state government. Clearly, the regulatory state has failed too many nursing home residents. Perhaps it would be prudent for state bureaucrats to focus more on the health threats facing nursing home patients, and less time regulating otherwise healthy outdoor activities at parks, beaches and golf courses.
Remaining in lockdown, stifling people’s livelihoods and curbing otherwise healthful practices will do nothing to improve conditions for our most vulnerable population.
We do know that wearing masks, washing hands and voluntarily implementing other hygienic habits have been highly effective in curtailing the spread of the coronavirus. Our stores and businesses have demonstrated a willingness to go the extra mile to operate safely, adhering to these commonsense health practices.
Unfortunately, only giant big-box corporations with deep pockets have been permitted to keep their doors open, while most smaller locally owned shops and businesses are still forced to remain shuttered. For many years, brick-andmortar retailers have worked hard to survive the onslaught of Amazon and other internet giants; it will be a sad day, if state government regulators finish off these vital “mom-and-pop” family businesses.
This is the perfect moment for state government to recognize the importance of locally owned businesses that invest in and add so much to the vibrancy of our communities. These small business owners are dedicated to their cities, towns and neighborhoods. They would be the first to implement reasonable, affordable and effective measures to protect the health and well-being of their customers and employees. They should not be hamstrung, while the Amazons and large interstate or multinational corporations are rewarded.
Right now, that’s the unfortunate new normal. And for anyone who enjoyed the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with launching his or her own business, putting in countless days of hard work, and simply exercising their constitutional rights, that “new normal” represents an alarming and uncertain future.
What is good for bureaucratically defined “essential businesses” should be good for all of the commonwealth’s businesses, large and small, and their employees.
Gov. Charlie Baker’s executive order shutting down so many small businesses is slated to expire on Monday.
As we move forward, we should narrow our focus to help those most in need, such as nursing home residents. And we should also broaden our gaze to view the wider horizon that recognizes all that is at stake.
Jobs, the economy and small business are vital. But it’s even more than that.
The founders of our nation envisioned rights and opportunities, that’s why they proclaimed that each and every one of us, all persons are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”