I wanted to correct what I found out was a rumor going around that the mayor only spoke with Christian clergy to not have Sunday services. This is apparently not true. What I did find out is that he has privately urged many different religious centers to forgo services. Which is a good thing and smart. Sorry for the confusion.
UPDATE: PAUL ADDRESSES THE ISSUE IN THIS VIDEO
But I will stress one thing, in this time of crisis, a world-wide pandemic, ALL leaders, large and small need to be very vocal and very public about their concerns. While sending an email is a nice gesture, transparency and openness is key.
While I agree 100% with his supposed decision to contact clergy in our community, he should have done it very publicly and put out an official memo from his desk at city hall that encourages ALL worship centers and businesses to close if they are not essential to our well being and health. In other words if you don’t have to go a social gathering which puts you in contact with others, don’t go. It really is that simple.
While I have watched many hours of news coverage about this virus, one thing is super clear, preventing the spread of the illness will flatten the curve and that should be our number one priority.
Once again, I sincerely apologize, but remain vigilant in this fight for open and transparent government.
There’s enough fear that people will stay away from church. Not all but most.
I noticed that there are few cases south of the equator. It’s summer there. Corona has been compared to flu. If true, gestation will pause during summer months. For now, it’s important to stop the spread meaning no large gatherings. We can come out for a few months soon. Hopefully, there will then be time to test. Initially, like flu, there could be methods or treatment. Eventually, there should be a vaccine.
Government cannot regulate, control, nor violate the First Amendment. This means – no law, no act of government can disrespect the establishment of Religion, nor can government act in a way it appears they have created a religious establishment. He may privately speak to them about wishing them to not hold service’s but lets remember, any public statement made by the Mayor the Council, or any Government Entity appears to look as if they are attempting to control, regulate, or mandate ‘laws’ upon a “religious establishment”. Privately, he can have such conversations as any other “private citizen”. Publically they cannot. I have no problem with what he did, as long as there are No ‘mandate’ nor push to control their first amendment right to regulate or pass laws to control them. You cannot HOLD the “church” to any of the Emergency Acts.
– Mike Zitterich
Sioux Falls.
Agreed Mike, but a memo advising private churches and businesses to close isn’t a violation of the 1st Amendment.
Is it just me, or has Cuomo become our president?
( and Woodstock adds: “It’s okay with me….”)
https://twitter.com/govkristinoem/status/1238490084711763968
Does Kristi mean that we are all good to go out and hit the bars, if we don’t have symptoms? Cuz I heard doctors saying it can be spread even if you don’t have symptoms.