* Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) proposed his own re-opening plan today. You can click here to read it. It’s probably not the worst idea in the world, but it’s not great. His mask mandate applies only to employees, not customers, for instance. But, hey, at least he has a plan, which is more than I can say for others (like the Tribune).
The totally predictable and hilarious part, however, is the reaction from his online legion of fans. Lots ain’t happy…
SERIOUSLY? Who, what or when did Bailey get bought out by???
Holy cow! Way too much nanny state guidelines still here. To take temperature every day in each phase and sometimes twice a day.
Churches & restaurants, & small businesses just need to get open NOW
Take the STUPID non life saving, life hindering mask out of the equation. I want my immune system to stay in tack!
So to put it in simple terms, we’re screwed till Nov.7. No pay no constitutional rights and no help. Good thing we pay these guys.
With some of these restrictions some of these businesses might as well not even open.
There should be no mandatory face masks or mandatory vaccination
Way to much stuff to worry about! Wash hands and stay home when sick.
Why are we still playing this game?
So even in phase 3- Public venues like community centers can’t even open?
You have got to be kidding !!! way to many guidelines !
I’m not a fan of this plan.
WOW. I thought you were fighting
This is still bu*****t
To be fair, there are several supportive comments. And, again, kudos to Bailey for doing more than just throwing rocks. But I wonder how long he stands by this proposal, or if he’ll quietly disown it like the White House has done with its plan.
- 32nd warder - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:40 pm:
he and his colleagues will pay the price for feeding into this nonsense rather than being leaders. they created this. rather than push back on false information, they weaponized it for political purposes. now their weapons will be used on them.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:40 pm:
“Take the STUPID non life saving, life hindering mask out of the equation. I want my immune system to stay in tack!”
I don’t know where to begin.
- tea_and_honey - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:44 pm:
The fact that people STILL don’t understand that the face covering is not to protect the person wearing it, but to protect those around them boggles my mind.
Wearing a face covering isn’t doing to do a darn thing to “harm” your immune system.
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:46 pm:
I just hope my immune system is in… tack.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:47 pm:
Thanks for posting with typos, grammar mistakes and anti-vax sentiment.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:47 pm:
What is the problem with wearing masks? I don’t understand how people can react so negatively to something so benign.
In WWII, young men who’d never left the farm signed up for an indefinite term of military service and were shipped half way across the globe to be tossed into the blender of war. Millions signed up voluntarily, knowing exactly what was at stake.
And these people can’t be bothered to wear a freaking mask? Unbelievable.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:51 pm:
Some of these comments are rather amusing. Like Jason who thinks the virus is a hoax by Bill Gates to force everyone in the world to get vaccines. (And of course JB is taking money from Gates because he’s broke and needs to pay the electric bill).
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:51 pm:
Something something hoisted by own petard.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:53 pm:
Things I‘ve learned about Mr. Bailey;
* He’s in over his head.
While trying to seemingly be everything to his constituents who want “this and that” during a global pandemic and make it about She-Caw-Go, “Democrat party ideas”, and “Freedom”, Mr. Bailey seemingly goes those two steps too far that gets him in danger of exposing this over his head predicament.
* He has ideas.
I give him credit, I’ve said put pen to paper, make a case. He did that. Here’s the problem; you can’t try to be thoughtful to *seem* thoughtful, you can’t be a lil thoughtful… in science. These ideas, yeah, they pander, but the lil thoughtful makes his “disciples” confused, they don’t want… thoughtful.
* He thinks he’s leading.
You can have followers, but that alone doesn’t make you a leader. Falling into the “here’s my plan” trap of forcing followers to see you trying, yikes, they’re saying you “sold out”. How’s that look? You’re leading by being seen as a sellout?
* He’s not a “down the road”, “next step” thinker.
Like with lawsuits or this plan, it’s the microwave, “here’s my next” without grasping fallout of the next step in how things are. It’s like watching “The Little Rascals” and Alfalfa and Spanky have this idea and after step one, comedy ensues. In Mr. Bailey’s case, the comedy of his ideas ensue.
* He’s rethinking a lot of things.
A plan like this is a brainstorming, like in a dorm room where there’s one problem, but the reality is, between microwaved hot pockets and ramen noodles he’s solving problems that don’t exist, and in this case not solving any real problem, just creating headaches for those he’s trying to placate.
I think that’s it for now. My hot pocket is getting cold and my ramen needs some flavoring…
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:53 pm:
===What is the problem with wearing masks===
Anti-vaxxers say it harms their immune system somehow.
- Perrid - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:53 pm:
His plan is less crazy than I thought it would be.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:55 pm:
–Anti-vaxxers say it harms their immune system somehow.–
You know what harms your immune system more? Diseases.
- Donnie Elgin - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:57 pm:
Kudos to the Rep - a natural progression from simply attacking, Baily’s focus is at the local and regional levels. Includes restrictions on high-risk individuals. Seem like a good-faith effort to keep folks safe while also supporting economic viability.
- Pundent - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 12:59 pm:
Good for Bailey to advance a plan. I’m certainly open to different approaches. The problem here is that there isn’t any middle ground. The vast majority of us wants safe opening protocols (subject to debate and disagreement) and the rest are COVIDIOTS. I can’t take anyone seriously who demands we reopen everything now but won’t take the most basic steps to protect themselves and others.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:04 pm:
wait, so we’re starting over at Phase 1?
- Ok - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:05 pm:
The problem is too many of his legion sincerely still believe that it is no big deal, and if we just gave everyone the magic pill then there would be no issues whatsoever.
There was a good read the other day on the role of the cult of twitter personality doctors (one in New York, one in France, and Dr. Oz) in providing the social media content for those unwilling to accept reality to spread.
All they see in their twitter feed is all their aligned minds tweeting the same three articles confirming their opinion and they think it is a thousand.
- Mr. K. - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:09 pm:
—“Take the STUPID non life saving, life hindering mask out of the equation. I want my immune system to stay in tack!”
I don’t know where to begin.
—
I know where. And it ain’t pretty.
- Jose Abreu's Next Homer - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:09 pm:
If I’m wearing my glasses, my mask fogs up my glasses. What if I get hit by a car or another car?
- thoughts matter - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:10 pm:
= In WWII, young men who’d never left the farm signed up for an indefinite term of military service and were shipped half way across the globe to be tossed into the blender of war. Millions signed up voluntarily, knowing exactly what was at stake.
And these people can’t be bothered to wear a freaking mask? Unbelievable.==
Adding to that( and a hat tip to a commenter somewhere):
These People would be wearing that mask to protect those WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veterans.
- BilboSwaggins - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:11 pm:
I also would like my immune system to stay in tack.
- Roman - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:12 pm:
Rep Bailey is learning that it’s a lot easier to raise a mob than it is to control one.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:14 pm:
Kudos to anyone who comes up with a plan, but everybody rushing out now, even with masks and social distancing, is not a good idea at all.
But free-dummies gonna dummy. These are the people who would foolishly risk their lives and selfishly risk the lives of others for some dorm room concept that doesn’t exist in a civilized, advanced society.
- All This - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:19 pm:
== If I’m wearing my glasses, my mask fogs up my glasses. What if I get hit by a car or another car?==
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/05/health/how-to-de-fog-glasses-wearing-mask-wellness-trnd/index.html
- Elliott Ness - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:21 pm:
Good job Darren! The people who didn’t like you before still do not like you and you have a large segment of those who thought you were a leader now understanding you are not. It was only a matter of time. If this were a college paper, it would not even get a F…this guy is fun to watch, especially since he has no power and lacks any real credibility
- the Edge - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:25 pm:
== If I’m wearing my glasses, my mask fogs up my glasses. What if I get hit by a car or another car?==
I wear a mask, and adjust my glasses so they don’t fog. Hmm, when crossing a street look both ways?
- Fly like an eagle - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:25 pm:
-I also would like my immune system to stay in tack—
I keep my immune system in my room tacked to my bulletin board in case I ever need it.
- Soccermom - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:27 pm:
I just ran across this, and I wish that Governor Pritzker would make this case more strongly:
The biggest outbreaks are in prisons, religious ceremonies, and workplaces, such a meat packing facilities and call centers. Any environment that is enclosed, with poor air circulation and high density of people, spells trouble.
The ban on religious gatherings is based on the circumstances, not the subject matter. If church groups start gathering outside, with proper spacing, that would probably work –although we’d have to do something to protect clergy during communion. And, uh, no common cup.
- Demoralized - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:29 pm:
==What is the problem with wearing masks?==
My wife has a difficult time breathing in them. There are legitimate reasons why some can’t wear one. She still wears one when we go out though (she keeps her protests to me, lol).
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:29 pm:
–Anti-vaxxers say it harms their immune system somehow.–
I thought it was 5G that harms their immune systems.
- Demoralized - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:30 pm:
==And, uh, no common cup.==
Yeah, I think that tradition is gone for a while. Probably shouldn’t ever return.
- Give us Barabbas - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:31 pm:
Ladies and gentlemen: your GOP base for 2020.
The basket got overstuffed.
In a pre-internet, pre-cable world, nobody paid that much attention to folks like these and left them to their isolation. Now they have tools to find and reinforce each other, they are like the virus they themselves don’t believe in.
- anonamoose - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:35 pm:
Not at all surprised at the poor grammar of some of these folks.
- Huh? - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:38 pm:
Looks like beetle took JB’s plan and amended it somewhat
“Golf carts can have an occupancy of two people”
I was wondering if beetle plays golf. The only golf carts I have seen with seating greater than 2 have seats in the bag holders.
“Continued Virtual worship is recommended”
He has really sold out by not allowing people to practice their religion as they please.
I can get a hair cut but not my nails? Oh the humanity.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:45 pm:
===this guy is fun to watch, especially since he has no power and lacks any real credibility.===
You do know he is running for the 55th district state senate seat unopposed?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:01 pm:
My hope is some “Democrat legislator” makes this a Bill in the House and when the House reconvenes, it gets a full House vote.
Call it the “Baliley Bring Back Bill”…
“Have all votes who wish?”
Make for a nice mail piece too
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:06 pm:
=== My hope is some “Democrat legislator” makes this a Bill in the House and when the House reconvenes, it gets a full House vote.
Call it the “Baliley Bring Back Bill”…===
Just make it a resolution of some sort, the adults need to work on solutions. My bad.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:15 pm:
Meh. I’m not going to be too harsh. I asked for something more than awkward nonsensical shouting. And this fulfills that.
- Soccermom - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:16 pm:
Can we please stop making fun of people who are not as well-educated as we are? Please?
I had the great good fortune to be born with the DIY school gene, so I learned despite attending some truly inadequate schools. I went to undergrad thanks to the good folks at the General Assembly, who arm-twisted the University of Illinois into giving tuition waivers to children of veterans. I got most of my master’s paid for by my employer — after I threatened to sue, but still.
So I’ve been lucky, and I can spell.
But it is uncivil and unseemly for those of us who are academically lucky to make fun of people who didn’t have our advantages. Yeah, somebody wrote “in tack.” And instead of mocking him like schoolyard bullies, why don’t we use this moment in time to make a collective vow to fund our schools properly and to make sure the curriculum in EVERY district includes things like, you know, basic biological science.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:23 pm:
-Can we please stop making fun of people who are not as well-educated as we are?-
When they stop mocking things they are proving they don’t understand, like science and medicine? Sure.
- Soccermom - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
Ron — about that playground reference…
“He started it” is generally not considered a measured and mature response.
- Soccermom - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
And more substantively, Ron —
Of course they mock things they don’t understand. That’s pretty universal, But making fun of them is not going to help them understand. It’s just going to drive them off and potentially cost lives.
Can we please stay focused on the thing that really matters? Saving as many people as we possibly can?
- Red Ketcher - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:06 pm:
“In WWII, young men who’d never left the farm signed up for an indefinite term of military service and were shipped half way across the globe to be tossed into the blender of war. Millions signed up voluntarily, knowing exactly what was at stake.
And these people can’t be bothered to wear a freaking mask? Unbelievable.”
Agree Totally with 47 th Ward above - Well Said
- Say What? - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:15 pm:
= If I’m wearing my glasses, my mask fogs up my glasses. =
Either a) you have the mask on upside down, or b) you didn’t ’pinch the portion that covers the top of your nose tight around the bridge of your nose.
Even the lower end paper type of masks have this feature. Pinch the nose piece and the glasses fogging will stop.
There is a new leader in the clubhouse for weakest reason not to wear a mask.
- Nova - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:22 pm:
Soccermom, with all due respect you are equating good grammar and spelling with advanced education. Some uneducated people speak well and some with a great deal of education do not. Case in point, the judge who filed the TRO in Bailey’s lawsuit used “aint” while speaking in court. We can assume he has a JD.
- Soccermom - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:52 pm:
Nova — I’m not suggesting that ALL formally educated people speak one way, and that ALL less-educated people speak another way. I’m just saying that it’s unseemly to mock someone for lack of education on a particular topic, even if it’s an important one.
And “ain’t” is a fine Anglo-Saxon usage with a long and distinguished legacy. I ain’t got no problem with anybody who says “ain’t.”
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 5:16 pm:
But making fun of them is not going to help them understand.
Like trying to kick water…uphill…won’t work no matter how hard you try,Soccermom.
- Anon221 - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 5:44 pm:
In regards to the mask fogging glasses while driving…
Why are you wearing a mask while driving? Unless you are not practicing social distancing while driving. And if that’s the case, the mask may be of little protection to you and whomever else you have in your vehicle who does not already live with you. The inside of a vehicle is simply too close for COVID-19.
- JS Mill - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 5:46 pm:
@Soccermom, I think you are one of the best posters here so I say this with great respect, many of these people that are being mocked are bullies. While not the epitome of maturity, pointing out their inaccurate use of sailing terminology can be a bit of a stress reliever and well deserved.
Just my opinion, with respect.
- JS Mill - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 5:53 pm:
I just followed the link and went to Bailey’s FB page. I wish I did not do that. Anti-intellectualism at its worst. The Trump years have done irreparable damage to some of our citizens.
One things is painfully clear, very few people seem to understand what a “right” is and what the constitution actually states.
- Rh - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 6:45 pm:
And there’s this. Nothing trumps politics in this state…
https://ilcovid19info.com/covid-19-economic-recovery-plan/
- Huh? - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 7:32 pm:
What does beetle’s plan do to his lawsuit? I suggest that it undermines the entire premise of the case.
- Flapdoodle - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 7:33 pm:
Soccermom:
You make an excellent point. The loss of civility and willingness to respect others as people despite our disagreements with them have been major casualties of the bitter partisanship during the past quarter century. There is much to gain by at least starting from the high ground, even if it is not always possible to stay there. You’ve reminded me of where I came from; I’ll try to better keeping that in mind.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 8:30 pm:
“Can we please stop making fun of people who are not as well-educated as we are? Please?
I’m sorry I mocked people. You are very correct. But people who show utter disregard for the health of society while openly expressing various forms of hatred, particularly toward their neighbors in Chicago, they should expect some incoming.
We’re in the middle of a pandemic, with the most vulnerable and POC taking the biggest hit and Eastern Bloc types are screaming that they’re tyrannized. That’s just not right either.
- RNUG - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 1:13 am:
== with all due respect you are equating good grammar and spelling with advanced education. ==
I’ll just point out that some people with smartphones are likely using voice recognition to text transcription,or using the predictive text auto-fill program on their phone … and likely not checking / editing the text. That technology has come a long ways the past 20 years, but it still has a ways to go.