Editor’s note: The opinion by Mr. Hoffmann referenced below is available here.
I whole-heartily agree with Mr. Hoffmann’s right to free speech and his opinion. There are a few missing items in his opinion piece I’d like to add to the conversation.
When the latest Executive Order is revoked by the Senate and Assembly again, nothing is stopping anyone from wearing a mask or a business enforcing mask policies. People in Sheboygan County are smart enough to make their own healthcare decisions with a doctor’s advice. If a business wants to implement and strongly enforce a mask mandate, customers will decide to either continue shopping at that establishment or patronize a different business. This may sound simple, but it is the basis of free-market economics. Mr. Hoffmann, like everyone in Sheboygan County, is more than welcome to utilize at-home delivery or store pick-up services if you feel unsafe in stores as well as spending your money to support businesses that align with your ideals.
The situation in Madison, regarding Executive Orders declaring a State of Emergency, is a simple matter of following existing Wisconsin Law. This has nothing to do with masks and has everything to do with the unchecked power of the Governor’s office. Gov. Evers has cited, in multiple Executive Orders, WI Statue 323.10 as part of his legal justification. “A state of emergency, shall not exceed 60 days unless the state of emergency is extended by joint resolution of the legislature…The executive order may be revoked at the discretion of either the governor by executive order or the legislature by joint resolution.” The law is written to ensure the Senate and Assembly are part of the decision-making process as these bodies are closest to We the People. The Legislature has NOT extended the State of Emergency in Wisconsin. On its face, any attempt to extend a State of Emergency past 60 days without the advice and consent of the Assembly and Senate is illegal.
I find Mr. Hoffmann’s statement regarding the Sheboygan County Board being, “guardians of the health and welfare of every man, woman, and child of Sheboygan County,” interesting. What actions will Mr. Hoffmann and the County Board take to fight serious medical conditions, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as other, less dangerous conditions, such as common colds and the flu, county residents face every day? A major subject matter that isn’t being discussed, regarding COVID, is the increased challenges of drug and alcohol abuse and mental health. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “COVID-19 is compounding drug and alcohol problems across Wisconsin, with opioid overdoses increasing by 117 percent since the start of the pandemic compared to the same time in 2019.” When it comes to mental health, a recent study from Boston University found that, “this unprecedented time has tripled the prevalence of depression symptoms in the US, from 8.5 percent of adults before the pandemic to 27.8 percent as of mid-April.” How will the “Guardians” of the Sheboygan County Board step up and assist residents find the resources they need to combat these challenges?
We should respect each other’s decisions, mask or no mask, vaccine or no vaccine. We don’t know the full extent of everyone’s situation by just walking around and criticizing one another. Perhaps the person being labeled as an “anti-masker” experienced something traumatic and wearing a mask puts them into a mental state of extreme anxiety. Perhaps the person at the gas station wearing a mask has underlying health conditions and is concerned they will contract COVID. I would encourage everyone to do what’s right for their health and live your lives to the fullest each day.
I would also encourage everyone to contact their local, state and federal elected officials to voice your opinion on how to proceed with issues that are important to you. If the response is not completed in a timely manner, continue to follow-up until you get an answer. We elect our representatives to be guardians of the State and Federal Constitutions.
Stay Strong Sheboygan County.
Patrick Johnson, Kohler WI
Categories: Forum
Good points by Mr. Johnson. I trembled when I become aware of the priorities of our Governor, with all of the problems of recent months, now nearly a year, he finds it necessary to include Marijuana (medical/recreational) as a relevant part of his proposed budget. This man is off the charts as far as common sense, give me a break! . We have a boatload of problems in Wisconsin and he wants us all to be able to legally get high. This is very revealing. I MISS SCOTT WALKER (and Rebecca). We are in trouble! So, I agree with others, if Patrick Johnson can find his way to become a county board candidate and win, it would be a good start to put this county on the map as a leader in this dismal state of ours. My appetite for deleting Dane and Milwaukee County’s “left-wing thinking” from the rest of us is huge now. Why can’t we all agree on what is good for Wisconsin? I am embarrassed when I hear that Madison, Wisconsin is regarded as among the most liberal cities in the country. How did we get there? …….and why?
So many voices of reason drowning out the fear, make me want to read more of “The Beacon” and elect Patrick Johnson as my county supervisor. Are you thinking of moving to Lake Geneva anytime soon? 😉 If not, I hope you’re part of a “Clean Slate” to get better representation on your board.
In fact we need “Clean Slates” across Wisconsin and the U.S.! If County Supervisors want to stay, they can operate under the consent of the governed. If they think it’s their place to micromanage our personal decisions and ridicule those who disagree with them. They’re out. Who else is ready to run? If I don’t have a good candidate to vote for, I will.
I agree with Patrick Johnson. Covid is a medical problem. If I should happen to get covid, I will consult with my Doctor about it. I will not look to my County Supervisor or anyone in the State legislature. There are no political solutions to a medical problem.
I like, “there are no political solutions to a medical problem.”
I agree with Patrick Johnson. Why is everything only about COVID-19? Why isn’t Supervisor Hoffmann just as concerned with the other physical and mental health conditions people are experiencing in Sheboygan County? Especially because of the shutdowns. Children are falling behind by not going to school normally. They are depressed and some have been suicidal. What about the heart disease victims that were denied access to their physicians six months ago, and eventually died without help? No. Almost $2M has been spent entirely on COVID in Sheboygan County with no provable difference in cases.
Well said Judi