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Question of the day

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* Should the governor skip his daily press briefing on Easter Sunday, or are his daily updates too important for Illinoisans? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…

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posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:54 am

Comments

I see no problem with it. Aren’t we currently in Passover? We still need to be informed and it doesn’t really conflict with observing the holiday for Christians.

Comment by Nova Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:57 am
I’ve found the Governor’s briefings calming and reassuring, and I’m not religious, so I voted ‘full steam ahead’.

Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:57 am
COVID takes no holiday; neither should these briefings. Plus, what would Jeanne Ives say?

Pritzker & team are doing a good job of keeping us informed.

Comment by Linus Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:58 am
IF he takes off Easter, then he should take off ALL religious holidays.

Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:59 am
Do it.

Covid doesn’t know Easter from Festivus.

Comment by efudd Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:59 am
Voted Full Steam Ahead because some folks don’t celebrate Easter and for those that do it may provide a larger audience. Daily updates are critical given the intensity of the situation and our proximity to the potential peak of cases.

Comment by frisbee Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 10:59 am
Since everyone will be force to celebrate Easter in while social distancing, which many will find extraordinary, the Governor should keep the updates coming.

Comment by RWP Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:00 am
We can survive one day without it. Let him have the day off.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:00 am
Not everyone celebrates and I think it’s important to frame how the next week is going to be.

Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:00 am
The virus isn’t taking the day off. The doctors, nurses, hospital workers and first responders are not taking the day off. “All In Illinois” has multiple meanings.

The daily briefings are counted among the steps Pritzker has taken that are correct and will be a part of any playbook for elected officials responding to similar future crises.

Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:00 am
Keep the briefing…it is keeping people focused. Maybe make it a little shorter on Easter.

Comment by FinanceCIty Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:01 am
Full steam ahead. Recognizing one religious holiday without recognizing all religious holidays goes against the inclusiveness he’s trying to show.

Comment by Fairycat Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:01 am
I’d say go with it, and perhaps, it would be good to ask Cardinal Cupich, a Baptist preacher, a Rabbi and an Imam to all make brief statements in support? I don’t know that’s it’s wise or necessary for them to appear at the Thompson Center for that - perhaps just reading their statements aloud would suffice. I understand about Church & state Separation; this would not be government supporting religions, but rather, religious people supporting a government decision.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:04 am
Keep it, he’s doing a great job keeping people informed and most people won’t be having a traditional Easter anyway.

Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:04 am
Now more than ever.

Comment by KevS Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:05 am
Whether for it’s religious significance or not, let it be a day of quiet for contemplation of those suffering and at risk and for thankfulness for those on the frontlines.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:05 am
What Moe Berg said.

Comment by walker Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:06 am
I went with skip it- but really more as a default plan but if there’s a development that needs a briefing, do it. Which means there probably would be a briefing anyway.

Totally thought myself into a circle.

Comment by In 630 Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:07 am
Full steam ahead. The info is too important. There should not be a special exemption made for any religion.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:07 am
I voted “yes”, for the reasons others have ably articulated. But- I am also concerned about exhaustion on the part of the governor’s staff. The amount of preparation necessary for the daily briefings must be extensive.

Comment by West Sider Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:07 am
Depends on if there is new important info to share with the public - if not a press release with updated numbers would be fine.

Comment by welp ok Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:07 am
Skip it. I think many people are getting “briefed” out. I also think these briefings can be a drain on the people putting them together everyday and I’m sure that they could use a day of rest.

Comment by Chicagonk Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:08 am
Full Steam Ahead, now more than ever.

Comment by Now What? Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:08 am
Voted full steam ahead. I don’t consider the updates intrusive and for anyone that feels they shouldn’t be provided on Easter they can tune out.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:08 am
Skip it unless there is info that can’t wait until Monday.

Comment by tomhail Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:09 am
Take a day off. He needs it.

Comment by SOIL M Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:09 am
Full steam ahead.

It will be good for the morale of those working, be they in hospitals… or grocery stores… that this governor and his crew are “All In” too.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:12 am
I voted he could skip it, only because I feel if it’s a holiday he and his family celebrate, he can take the day off. If they don’t celebrate it, he can still take the day off. He probably could use it. This has to be weighing in him more than we all realize

Comment by 618er Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:16 am
Easter with JB? Needlessly disrespectful to millions of Illinois folks. I will say skip it.

Comment by Back to the Future Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:21 am
Full steam ahead for all the reasons cited above.

Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:21 am
I voted yes out of respect for all those essential workers who will be on the job that day taking care of sick and vulnerable people and attending to the rest of the things we all need taken care of. I would support him turning the briefing over to others once a week to engage in a self-care activity to keep himself healthy.

Comment by Earnest Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:23 am
Why? He doesn’t observe Easter. He’s Jewish. If he’s not taking Passover off, why should he take Easter off?

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:23 am
He’s doing it during Passover, why wouldn’t he do it at Easter? The former is a Jewish holiday.

Comment by Rich Hill Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:24 am
Do it. They provide important information. If people don’t want to pay attention that day or any other, they don’t have to.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:25 am
Voted skip. As important as these press conferences are, folks need a day off (aka working from home, not being in the public). Staffs providing essential services are still taking at least one day off a week. The mind, body and soul need a respite IMHO.

Comment by MakePoliticsCoolAgain Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:26 am
I trust JB to do the right thing here. If he feels it’s necessary, then he’ll say something.

Comment by Steve Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:28 am
Unless there is significant news that cannot wait until Monday, skip it.

Comment by bogey golfer Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:28 am
He should take off Passover too.
I have listened to some of the Pressers on some days. I do appreciate the effort, but for the most part I am on board with probably 11 million Illinois residents that just catch what I think I need to know from local news.

Comment by Back to the Future Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:29 am
As long as there are updates to share, Gov. Pritzker should continue to give them. As others have capably pointed out, “All In Illinois” means all in.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:29 am
== Needlessly disrespectful to millions of Illinois folks.==. I didn’t realize that tuning in was mandatory.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:29 am
I voted Skip this once. But brainstorming here… maybe do a pre-recorded message with the daily updates sans media questions. Then full steam ahead on Monday.

Comment by In_The_Middle Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:31 am
It is not based on The Gov’s religion; it is out of respect for Christians, as isn’t Easter the holiest day of the year for them? I once got chewed out just for sending a fax on Easter to a very observant Catholic lawyer! Nevertheless, I voted full steam ahead, but suggest an abbreviated briefing that actually is brief!

Comment by truthtopower Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:35 am
Pundent
Good point.
I just think Gov. J.B. and his staff could be doing something
more productive on Easter than holding a press conference.

Comment by Back to the Future Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:35 am
If he skips now, then to keep good form he would have to skip the Festivus address, too. The Governor has been performing feats of strength for some time now; I want to hear his Airing of Grievances in December (when we are hopefully thru this!).

Comment by Kippax Blue Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:38 am
So you don’t think the daily updates are productive?

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:38 am
I didn’t vote. And I don’t care. It does not matter. There are good reasons for either option.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:38 am
Yes. Transparency is important. This disease is not going to take a day off.

Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:40 am
I’d be far more inclined to have the Guv, and his Crew as needed, take *Saturday* off, no brief, no notes, and symbolically be there on *Sunday*.

I don’t want anyone in any of these positions, medical personnel, to grocery workers, to all those out there, they all need “a day”.

Saturday vs. Sunday.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:43 am
Press conf. can be short, but is necessary

Comment by Rutro Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:46 am
I voted Yes. Go ahead and do an abbreviated presser on Sunday, with updates only. But no reporter questions for one day. Their questions can wait–and maybe be answered–on Monday.

Comment by Leatherneck Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:47 am
Full steam ahead. Everyone isn’t a Christian, and many Christian celebrate the following week too. I oddly find myself looking forward to these briefings. We need stability and he’s giving us a little.

Comment by PMSaremyinitials Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:50 am
The governor has been one of the adults in the room since day 1. Keep on going full steam ahead. I appreciate his calm demeanor and practical information. It’s one of the press briefings I go out of my way to watch.

Comment by Glengarry Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:58 am
Full steam ahead, as others have said. The daily updates are looked forward to at the minnow homestead.
A trustworthy & calming source of info on our state.

Comment by Minnow Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:04 pm
Voted “Full Steam Ahead.” As strange as it sounds, I find Pritzker’s daily press briefings lend some sanity and calm to the overall situation - I listen to Cuomo, too, but prefer Priztker, who interweaves science and humanity - and sincerity.

He and his staff, however, do need rest - perhaps as soon as Illinois has peaked, they should scale back somewhat, depending on the curve’s progress.

Comment by dbk Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:09 pm
Full steam ahead. The pressers are a government function which has become essential as a major source of reliable Illinois-centric information. Essential government functions, especially in times of need, should not be cancelled for religious holidays. Those who wish not to watch need not do so, those who do wish to do so may. Note that this does not work the other way around (cancellation is for all, not just some.

Comment by Flapdoodle Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:10 pm
How much new information do we get? Aside from a number, there’s not that much that changes in 24 hours. A lot of these pressers sound like repeats, with just the numbers changed.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:12 pm
Trump bashing takes no holiday…..

Comment by Wylie Coyote Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:13 pm
I think that While there are a lot of us who appreciate the daily updates, there are a sizeable number of people who might find it offensive. If he does it, I’d hope he would keep it short, upbeat, and as on-message as possible. And I’d second the idea of no reporter questions for that day only.

Comment by Mr. Smith Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:14 pm
Voted yes. Since the Public Health Labs will be open for restring, our ultimate boss Should be working as well.

Comment by A-nonny-nonny Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:18 pm
Voted to have the briefing. Still need to keep people informed, no matter the holiday. Consistency of message is key. Stay well everyone.

Comment by Robert Montgomery Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:19 pm
Full steam ahead from a catholic

Comment by Anonish Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:21 pm
“Trump bashing takes”

Man, you Trump supporters are about as soft as your omnipotent savior.

Comment by efudd Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:23 pm
Yes - his messages are truthful and reassuring. We need them as much on a Christian religious holiday as we do on any other day.

Comment by Morningstar Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:29 pm
I voted skip. It has nothing to do with Easter. I just think the guy needs a day off and most of us could use a break from the doom and gloom news. Skipping one day isn’t going to change anything. Covid-19 will still be around come Monday. Let the man rest and relax.

Comment by My 2 Cents Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:36 pm
As to the Holiday a pol should take the holiday they observe if they take one. Just be real, most people appreciate that.

He doesn’t need to do it every day anyway. It devalues what he has to say, but I am downstate so rarely says anything relevant anyway.

He needs to realize he is not Trump(not a crime) and he will never be President. Let those with relevant information speak, otherwise telling me the same thing I can read or he did yesterday is pointless.

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:37 pm
A lot of people are involved in putting the daily briefings together, with surely some observant/deeply religious Christians among them. No judgment either way, but if he wants to give his team a break on such an important holiday to so many, that’s fine.

Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:43 pm
If he wants to do it, I have no problem. An afternoon briefing won’t conflict with most services.

Comment by Six Feet of Separation (temporary name) Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:48 pm
===…but I am downstate so rarely says anything relevant anyway.

He needs to realize he is not Trump(not a crime) and he will never be President.===

Now *say* all that without mouth breathing.

If you’re concern is more about saying “he won’t be president” versus “hey, everyone needs a rest, governors too”, then your concern isn’t at all about what you think it is.

My hope, be it Saturday, Sunday, someday, the Guv and members of his crew get “a day”… and doctors, nurses, all… they get “a day”. A human feeling of appreciation isn’t measured by a want to measure politics.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:49 pm
Full steam ahead. We’re not a theocracy and the public having the ability to have access to their leadership during this crisis is more important than a holiday that is important to Christians and celebrated with confusing pagan idolatry using a term borrowed from Germanic pagans.

I know it’s important, but we celebrate it with people in bunny suits and by hiding eggs.

===Needlessly disrespectful to millions of Illinois folks.===

Let me know when the State makes Christmas Eve and Good Friday official state holidays and we can start talking about how serious we all feel about this topic.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:51 pm
Minnow lives far far downstate.
The Gov’s daily briefings have become a touchstone to how the rest of the state is doing. With a mother in a local locked down assisted living - any & all COVID19 info is relevant. With family & friends scattered throughout IL, hearing the stories (& reading highlights here) help put context (& hope) to the #’s on the IDPH website.

Comment by Minnow Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 12:53 pm
Full steam. Be brief, but stay consistent with the tough current events needing special effort. I like Barabbas’ idea of the four religious leaders giving a word. I am not religious but inclusion/team work/ support is never a bad thing

Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 1:09 pm
Full steam ahead. He keeps us informed, He tells the us the truth about what is going on.

Comment by Kathryn Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 1:18 pm
Voted yes. Elected officials don’t really get days off, even in more normal times.

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 1:37 pm
Full steam ahead. Gov Pritzker’s briefings are honest and informative. It is good to see\hear a daily dose of leadership.

Comment by MooMee Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 1:45 pm
I just want to point out that the Easter Bunny will not be taking the day off, at least not in New Zealand: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/06/world/australia/jacinda-ardern-easter-bunny-essential-worker-tooth-fairy.html

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 1:54 pm
Full steam ahead. Keep everyone focused until you are ready to declare it is under control. We aren’t there yet and no reason for people to think they don’t need to follow all the rules.

Comment by SSL Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 1:55 pm
Honestly, there have been very few items that couldn’t wait a day. Most of the information shared is available or could be on a website. This goes for the feds also.

Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 2:04 pm
I voted skip it, but my opinion is in the middle. If he’s particularly religious and wants to set an example on how to observe safely, I think that would be good. Otherwise, it would be a helpful demonstration of leadership to give the briefing regardless of the holiday.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 2:09 pm
To the people who are saying it would be offensive to the holiday, here is your regular reminder that the USA is not entirely populated by Evangelicals.

To the people who are saying we should give the guy the day off to observe with his family, reminder that he is Jewish and Easter isn’t any different from Saturnalia to us.

Separation of church and state *gasp*

Comment by Commisar Gritty Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 2:25 pm
Voted full steam ahead. Pritzker’s news conference is a daily breath of fresh air. A significant counterweight to the noise coming from the east. A calming influence.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 2:43 pm
Skip it. Unless something apocolyptic happens, give these folks a break for Easter. We’re in a marathon here and everyone needs to have some downtime if and when possible.

Comment by Froganon Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 3:03 pm
Why would he? So that I can have a day of not going to church and not having dinner with my extended family? He’s sacrificing and doing it during Passover. Not sure why he wouldn’t do the same for Easter.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 3:26 pm
Unless there is urgent new information, it should be skipped. It’s bad enough that we cannot worship in our churches.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 4:25 pm
Full steam ahead. Why favor this one religion? Bring on the scientists and public health experts, please.

Comment by Dome Gnome Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 4:34 pm
Depends. If necessary, he should. If no material change, skip it for a day.

Comment by A Guy Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 5:08 pm
How many Illinoisans are actually listening to Pritzker?Perhaps they are watching the national newscasts or online sources. And some simply are not watching any media, but hearing news second hand from friends/family. Skip the Sunday briefing.

Comment by Top of the State Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 5:12 pm
=It is not based on The Gov’s religion; it is out of respect for Christians, as isn’t Easter the holiest day of the year for them? =

And maybe he shouldn’t do it during Passover out of respect for his co-religionists. And maybe he shouldn’t do it during Ramadan out of respect for Illinois’ Muslim population. And not on April 19 out of respect for Orthodox Christians.

I fail to see how having a press briefing on an issue crucial to his constituents is disrespectful to *anyone*.

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 5:28 pm
@Top of the State — So we should just let willful ignorance be the deciding factor? People want to be dumb, that’s on them, but they don’t get to push it on the rest of us.

Comment by Flapdoodle Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 5:28 pm
=== it is out of respect for Christians===

It’s just a good day to take off. That’s all it has to be.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 6:23 pm
A lot of the information could be released through the press just as it is now with IDPH. Give the update of new cases and deaths. He could do this on weekends going forward.

Comment by RDB Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 8:13 pm
Voted “Full speed” because there was no “Half speed” option. The virus doesn’t observe religious holidays. As a nod to Those who observe Easter I think it would be nice to know the Governor is personally making the time to inform us of the current status but make it a little shorter than normal with additional information available on-line.

Comment by 37B Thursday, Apr 9, 20 @ 11:33 pm