Open up and get back to work

To the Editor;

There are people in Maine who are rightfully afraid of contracting the coronavirus. Most of those are in nursing and group homes. The safety of those homes is the responsibility of the Governor and Legislature. When you consider over half of the deaths from COVID-19 in Maine have been in those homes, you have to ask has state government let those people down?

Some of our Legislative leaders have finally asked to reconvene so they can reconsider the emergency powers of the Governor. My hope is that those “stay at home” orders are rescinded. This statewide shut down of business is not the measure we need to prevent the spread of this virus.

First we need to address those most at risk in the nursing and group homes. Then consider what measures are needed to best protect others at risk. Finally, but quickly, open Maine up and let everyone who can go back to work.

Most Maine people are capable of taking care of themselves. We can decide if we want to go to church or not, and our Constitution guarantees us that right. A right that isn’t subject to the whim of any politician.

Our elected officials are going to have all they can do to keep government’s bills paid without destroying what’s left of our economy. We all need to get back to work now.      

Doug Thomas

Ripley