Sen. Plummer: Disappointing “Politics over Policy” during COVID-19 Crisis

Have compassion.

This pandemic is a crisis and has taken a massive toll on our communities. Many of our most vulnerable citizens are in danger from COVID-19. Many people are at a breaking point. Some have nothing left and are literally fighting for their livelihood. Food. Rent. Childcare. You name it. Every single job is essential to someone. Maybe you can skip a few paychecks, some people can't. Maybe you can work from home, some people can't. People are losing businesses they spent years and much blood, sweat, and tears building. When those businesses go, jobs go with them.

No one is forcing anyone to go anywhere. No one wants to make anyone do anything. If you're concerned, do everything possible to protect yourself. Have compassion for your neighbors. If someone is opening a business, don't ridicule or attack them. They're not trying to hurt you, they're not trying to get rich or put money over your health – they're likely trying to save their house, save someone's job, or put food on the table. They wonder why you can buy jewelry at Wal-Mart or clothes at Target, but you can't save mom and pop stores on Main Street. Why can the mayor of Chicago get a haircut but you can't? Why does the governor's rules not apply to his own family, but he threatens to jail you if you break them? Why can some salons open but not others? The examples are endless and the arbitrary rules undermine the rule of law.

One way to create reasonable dialogue, have more transparency, and create more accountability is by having that other branch of government – the legislature – open and operating in Springfield. The governor could finally leave Chicago (Gov Cuomo in NY is leading his state from Albany, not NYC), come down to the actual state capital in Springfield, and work with legislators – the voice of the people – who know what is happening in all corners of our great state. After weeks and weeks of asking, we'll finally meet tomorrow. Let's hope legislators are open-minded and have compassion for all Illinoisans. I hope the governor is there to work with us.

We need real leadership.

The governor is getting nervous. Just a few days ago this was his answer to a question regarding restaurant workers who are scared that they can't work for at least two more months because of his unbelievable edicts: "Well, my first response to that is that I’m not the one that’s writing those rules for restaurants and bars, it is doctors and epidemiologists that I’m listening to.”

Remember when we had leaders like Harry "The buck stops here" Truman? You'd like to expect more from the Land of Lincoln. Who are these random, un-named people the governor has, apparently, outsourced rule-making to? The governor wants to have his cake and eat it too. Remember, this is a guy who spent almost $200 million of his own money to be governor. Perhaps he has buyer’s remorse. You can't have it both ways, governor. You're in charge or you're not, you're making decisions or you're not, you're accountable or you're not, you’re responsible or you’re not.

You made these rules. You've created this system of one-man rule. It's your plan. I don't remember any doctors or epidemiologists running for governor. And if you're going to hide behind nameless third parties, at least finally share some hard data, specific qualifications, and the scientific models you are using to make these decisions. I have voicemails and emails from doctors, nurses, scientists, and professors from all over Illinois saying what you’re doing is wrong. We’ve been asking for you to be transparent with this data for weeks now.

And, no, I’m not some Republican vs. Democrat partisan. Truman was a Democrat. This is about leadership and consequences. I hear from many elected officials – Republican and Democrat – that have not heard a word from the governor. Our messages and calls don’t get returned. In my instance, he probably just doesn’t recognize the area code.

One big part of leadership is balancing interests. We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable and attack this pandemic. We also have a duty to not create more vulnerable people. A strong economy saves lives. Why do the people in countries with strong economies have longer life expectancies than people in poorer counties?

Again, this economic downturn is devastating and we are creating more vulnerable people every day. People will die from addictions, domestic violence, suicide, mental health issues, deferred medical procedures (so much healthcare access has been shut down), financial ruin, and more. What about the kids who are victims of child abuse – being abused right now as you read this – and so much of the third party intervention has been shut down? These people matter, but some seem to pretend like these issues don’t exist. They exist – I read about them every day in my inbox and hear about them every day out on the street (6’ apart, of course) – and we need leadership that addresses the entire picture, not just one piece of a giant puzzle.

Everyone knows we need to be careful. Everyone knows to be smart and use common sense. We need to protect the most at risk and we need to throw everything we have at the most troubled spots. But this rigid one-size-fits-all strategy for our great, diverse state is causing far more damage than can be seen or measured. We'll be dealing with the consequences for years.

The nasty divisiveness being created by our elected officials is salt in the wounds of our communities. We shouldn't be picking winners and losers or pretending some people are putting money before health. Those people being labeled with these accusations are mainly just trying to survive. Help them, don't hurt them. If we're ever going to come back strong from this crisis we will need these people. Small businesses are the backbone of America.

Lastly, a shout out for my team. I have the best staff and the best volunteers out there. We're getting thousands of messages, the vast majority from decent, sincere, and hardworking people that need help. Frankly, many need help badly. We're doing our best to assist everyone as much as possible. Thank you to everyone who is helping me, I appreciate your passion for service and the care you show every day for your fellow citizens. We are here to serve and we will get through this together.

So, I know this was long, my apologies. But we're truly at a crossroads. Be compassionate. Governor Pritzker has failed on so many levels, but you can still be a leader in your community. Step up. Work together. Don't divide people, unite people. We're all Illinoisans.

Let's hope the legislature steps up tomorrow. God Bless each and every one of you and God Bless the State of Illinois.

Used by permission. First posted on Senator Plummer's Facebook page.