"The first duty of government is the
protection of life, not its destruction.
Abandon that, and you have abandoned all."
--Thomas Jefferson,
attributed
Dear Governor Baker,
Thank you.
That’s the main thing I want to write to you this day. To say how thankful I am as a citizen of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for the faithful and steady leadership you’ve
provided to those you govern, since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, that’s
now sweeping across the globe like an out of control wildfire.
As an observer and frequent critic of government, I’ll
confess it’s very rare for me to be so direct in my praise of an individual politician.
I’d rather throw brickbats than offer compliments, truth be told. In 2020 it’s so
easy to be cynical about the business of governing, be fed up and frustrated with
the folks who serve us, the ones far more interested in re-election or gaining power
or scoring points against an opponent or preening for the cameras, than actually
doing the work of government.
But I have to say, when I watch you now in your daily
press conferences, hear your clear voice, or read about the steps you’ve taken,
along with the rest of state government, to protect the folks who call the Bay
State home, I feel safe and protected. I surely feel safer than many other
citizens in other parts of our nation. I’m still amazed that even as of today
there are places in the United States still operating as if this coronavirus
outbreak is nothing more than a passing threat to public health, politicians
who believe it is not the role of the federal or state government to exercise its
powers so forcefully and just shut things down. I’ve spoken to friends in other
places who wish you were their governor.
Yes, like lots of my fellow citizens I was kind of freaked
out when you finally closed down the state, but that was more out of personal selfishness
than any policy disagreement. Who wants
to stay cooped up inside and give up so many of the rights and privileges we expect
as citizens? As a pastor, it was the hardest decision I ever had to make with
my leaders, to finally close the church I serve, to worship. We are all heartbroken
that on Easter Sunday this year, there won’t be a packed sanctuary overflowing
with lilies or a sunrise service on the pond at dawn or an Easter egg hunt with
so many kids scrambling around the church gardens. We know and have faith that this
too shall pass but still, it really hurts.
I can’t imagine being one of the hundreds of thousands
of people in our state suffering so much more than me. Artists and hourly
workers and waiters and waitresses and gig workers and daycare staff and so
many others going without a paycheck, looking to the future with fear and
worry. I can’t imagine being a nurse or doctor or first responder and putting
my very life on the line every single day—or a grocery store clerk or a home
health aide or postal worker either. So many are making such deep
sacrifices.
But like the overwhelming number of Massachusetts residents,
almost eighty percent in a March 29th Boston Globe poll, most folks
in these parts approve of your handling of this crisis. I think you’ve handled this most difficult of
challenges with grace and calm and competence, unlike some other high profile
politicians, who well, quite frankly have been awful in their leadership. Offered misinformation. Shown gross incompetence. Made this crisis
more about them than the people.
Not all of your decisions have been perfect. But then,
we are all just kind of making it up as we go along now, right? Trying our
best. Adapting. Responding. Taking a
deep breath and saying a prayer at the beginning of the day and asking for
guidance and wisdom for the next 24 hours. We are all in this one boat together, sailing
across stormy seas, looking for some break of sun on the horizon in the
distance.
I will be praying for you, as I do for all of our leaders. For strength. For times to rest. For your
loved ones. For a day when this will
finally be over.
Thank you.
Sincerely, A grateful
citizen
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