We're losing rights

Our governor apparently thinks if it works for Chicago, then it must be applied to the entire state. I have felt this was wrong from the beginning when the governor issued the stay-at-home order. I live in Cook County and have worked at home even before the order was issued. However, when you visit some of our small downstate towns and cities, you can understand how a broad brush approach to managing the state hurts so many families and businesses in rural Illinois. Below is a quote I recently read in a publication which expresses my opinion perfectly.

Dale E. Biggerstaff, an alderman from McLeansboro, said he does not understand why Pritzker's stay-at-home allows liquor stores to remain open as "essential" businesses, while salons and barber shops are classified as "nonessential."

"If our rules are being dictated by the improvement or non-improvement of Cook County, then I feel that it is not fair to the rural areas," Biggerstaff said. The rules everyone must follow during the pandemic are the same for Chicago with its thousands of reported cases of coronavirus as they are for the counties with zero cases.

In addition, Pritzker closed all of the golf courses in our state while all of the neighboring states have not. He also closed the state parks to hunting and fishing. Two more examples of his broad brush approach to managing the state. I would rather be hunting and fishing than staying indoors during this crisis. No better way to practice social distancing.

The bottom line is our Governor does not trust the people of Illinois to make good decisions. Our rights are being taken from us. I hope everyone remembers how he handled this crisis when he is up for reelection.

Ronald W. Thompson

Barrington