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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker admonished Illinois residents who refuse to wear a mask at his coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, as the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,600 new cases, the highest in the month of July so far.

“It is on all of us to bring these numbers down,” Pritzker said. “This virus is not a blue state or red state virus. The deadly nature of this virus is not a hoax. Going out without a mask is not a political statement. It demonstrates a callous disregard for people in your county, your state, and our nation. You’re endangering everyone around you. The enemy is you.”

* The Question: Your thoughts on the governor’s use of the word “enemy” to describe some recalcitrant Illinoisans?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:24 am

Comments

Spot on, they are the ones spreading death.

Comment by Zombies gonna zombie Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:29 am
very Trump like.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:29 am
For not being a lifelong politician, Pritker really understands the importance of timing in politics.

In the same week that trump is seen finally wearing a mask, Pritzker describes anyone not wearing a mask as an enemy.

Since the president himself was seen wearing a mask, the political angle has been removed. All that’s left is the reality angle and the reality angle is clear that not wearing a mask around others does make you an enemy.

I like his use of the word.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:30 am
Maybe he was going for a “Pogoism”? I totally agree with the sentiment, but I don’t think it will change a heart or mind of a person who is of the “flu” philosophy. Very little usually does until they get it, or they are the cause of a family of friend getting COVID-19.

Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:30 am
A harsh reminded is needed. I have no problem in shaming those that refuse to comply. A mechanism to actually enforce the wearing of masks would be better.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:30 am
In context, I am not bothered by it

Comment by Titan Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:30 am
He’s not wrong.

Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:31 am
I concur and applaud his handling of this continuing crisis.

Comment by flea Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:35 am
He is not wrong, but I would have said “problem.” He starts by saying that this shouldn’t be a divisive issue then uses divisive language at the end. Seems more likely to harden people’s opinions.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:36 am
=very Trump like=

No. The antithesis of the President. Pritzker is making clear this isn’t a political test but an IQ test. He’s also not bragging about passing a test to prove he doesn’t have dementia. You revere a leader that can brags he can pick an elephant out of a line-up. That not a litmus test for a leader. That’s the reason you give a 2 year old a cookie.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:36 am
I agree, but might not be strategic soon after the President and prominent Republicans finally started getting beyond mask-wearing.

Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:36 am
“Your thoughts on the governor’s use of the word ‘enemy’ to describe some recalcitrant Illinoisans?”

I always welcome an allusion to Walt Kelly’s Pogo.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:37 am
In another time political staff may have cringed fearing the comment was too harsh and alienate potential voters. But during this time, we need leadership. We need someone who will speak to the need to do what’s right. People who refuse to wear masks are the enemy to the public’s health.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:38 am
The people not wearing masks in the state now weren’t wearing masks in May or June either. To call them the “enemy” is missing why cases are going up.

Illinois moved into phase 4 at the end of June allowing indoor seating at bars and restaurants. Less than 3 weeks later cases start to climb. I wonder why?

Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:38 am
It’s not helpful, even though I am sure it makes him feel good. People who are not going to wear a mask will only have their position hardened by such rhetoric. Big city politicos love lecturing the country mice, no surprise in that aspect of it.

Comment by Ray Gun Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:39 am
I’m coming to the comment section on covid topics just to watch Blue Dog Dem wrap himself in a pretzel.

I guess freedom of speech doesn’t apply to the governor of Illinois.

S/

Comment by Almost the weekend Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:40 am
What MrJM said.

Comment by Lynn S. Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:41 am
1st ward hits it. The people not wearing masks now are the same ones who haven’t worn them for months. What changed was the opportunity to be around others without masks.

Comment by Bruce (no not him) Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:41 am
Enemy is the right word to describe someone who may have a virus and by not wearing a mask may give said virus to me which in turn may kill me.

Yes, enemy is the right word.

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:42 am
c’mon almost the weekend. I kinda thought that one was a real knee slapper.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:44 am
===Big city politicos love lecturing the country mice===

Another victim heard from.

There are plenty of people in the city and the suburbs not wearing masks as well.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:45 am
I don’t like the use of the word “enemy” but I do wish more people took COVID more seriously.

Comment by 33rd ward Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:45 am
I don’t have a problem with it. The term I generally use for those who refuse to wear masks in public is dumb*** but enemy will work too.

Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:46 am
Torn between agreeing with the Gov. and thinking the real enemy is leaders who have set a poor example for the public to follow on this issue.

Comment by CubsFan16 Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:49 am
Yeah I have an issue. Very rarely should we be calling other Americans “the enemy.” If he would have said the word “problem” instead, I would have totally agreed with him. Our enemies are the Russian government, the North Korea government, ISIS etc. The enemy is not my neighbors.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:50 am
=People who are not going to wear a mask will only have their position hardened by such rhetoric.=

Then we will continue to flounder in our response in comparison to every other first world country who has been able to adjust to this “inconvenience” and reduce case counts and fatalities.

These individuals, wherever they may live, old and young, are willfully and deliberating preventing us from moving beyond this crisis. They are the enemy.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:53 am
10:53 was I.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:57 am
It can be both;

It can be a very direct, harsh, and pointed word in this context.

It can be wholly spot on and important in context to beating infections.

At this point, if we’re crass, those likely not wearing masks aren’t “Pritzker” voters or see this pandemic as he and science do so who is he “insulting”… those already *not* allies in this fight.

Lots of talk of… enemies… allies… lately, eh?

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:57 am
Trump stirred the crazy early and now … the Trump wink and nod. Hard to call back chaos once chaos is sent.

“Enemy” is the proper mark.

Comment by vole Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:58 am
anyone who pays attention to the emotional tweets from JB’s senior staff knows that this level of rhetoric is common place. you can continue to say that this is a matter of life or death, but the reality is this type of hyperbole does not build bridges.

regardless, wear a mask.

Comment by iggy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:59 am
He’s not wrong.

Comment by Glengarry Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 10:59 am
I’m fine with enemy. Now that Trump is FINALLY wearing a mask, people have to accept that the only ’sides’ are the human race and the virus.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:01 am
Public enemy number 1: JB. He won’t wear a mask for a press conference so I guess he is the enemy. Don’t tell teachers to wear one all day, when you take yours off to speak public. But he can always just buy new reporters if he kills off a few of the ones in the room.

Comment by the Patriot Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:02 am
=== “It is on all of us to bring these numbers down,” ===

It is primarily on the governor to bring these numbers down. He needs a ton of cooperation from citizens, local government to get it done, but at the end of the day the buck stops at his desk.

=== Your thoughts on the governor’s use of the word enemy? ===

They aren’t refusing to wear a mask because they want to be JB’s friend. To the degree they see Democrats as an enemy and want to be seen as A threat to Democrats, JB’s use of the term “enemy” reinforces their behavior.

Give local public health departments the authority to enforce the mask requirement, up to $500 for each offense per individual, $500 for each offending individual within a business. Get rid of the ridiculously abused “I have a health condition” exemption, and tell the public health department they can keep all of the money but it must be used for contact tracing, testing and other COVID-related costs.

You will see enforcement and compliance shoot up bigtime.

Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:03 am
Spot on. Wear the freakin’ mask.

Comment by Anonamoose Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:05 am
===up to $500 for each offense per individual===

He tried something like that, remember? Didn’t go over too well.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:06 am
=== Public enemy number 1: JB. He won’t wear a mask for a press conference===

For the love of all that is holy and pure…

If you’re gonna be the “mask police” do yourself a solid and have one on while hyperventilating at a thought to try to ding the Governor.

“Press Conferences”… don’t strain your back looking for criticisms

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:07 am
No problem with the word just with whom he accuses of being the enemy. The real enemy are the businesses who care so little of their employees that they do not require their patrons to wear masks.

Comment by Beecher Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:09 am
Not very bothered by it and understand the frustration. Illinois made a lot of progress, and we sustained major economic damage, as well as sickness and death. Many of us don’t want to take steps backward after so much sacrifice and loss. Do we want to reopen the economy as safely as possible? Wear a freaking mask.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:14 am
=== He tried something like that, remember? Didn’t go over too well. ===

Yeah, that was then, now we know that voluntary encouragement does not work.

There are fines in Florida, Texas, California, New York now, and most recently Washington, DC.

What is that, like half the US population? Granted some of these fines only impact specific localities, but fines are clearly not some fringe concept we should just dismiss.

Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:19 am
If the mask fits…

Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:19 am
If you find yourself siding with the virus, then yes, I would label you an enemy.

Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:27 am
For those of us who want this pandemic to end so that schools and businesses can safely and fully reopen, people who refuse to wear masks are the enemy.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:27 am
Can’t really say I have a problem with it, given its context.

Comment by thunderspirit Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:30 am
“We have met the enemy, and he is us”

Comment by SAP Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:36 am
No objection.

Comment by SSL Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:38 am
- People who are not going to wear a mask will only have their position hardened by such rhetoric. -

Who are the snowflakes again?

Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:38 am
* For those of us who want this pandemic to end *

That won’t happen until there’s a vaccine or very effective treatment, and even then, the virus will always be with us.

Comment by Gene Gene Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:42 am
From the State that doesn’t have the courage to stand up to ABATE and mandate helmets for all motorcycle riders because don’t you know they have rights. How many lives have been lost or forever changed because of the lack of this law. You going to call motorcycles riders the enemy? I am all for wearing mask and do so but far more lives have been lost to abortion day in and day out than anything else. Believe in the scientific fact that human life begins at conception. Don’t pick and chose the science you believe to fit your political agenda.

Comment by Arock Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:43 am
===That won’t happen until there’s a vaccine or very effective treatment===

Great deduction, Sherlock. But people would like to feel reasonably safe outside their home, so wearing a mask is not too much to ask.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:43 am
- Arock -

If someone falls off a motorcycle, hits their head, but I’m the one with life long head trauma… by them breathing on me…

…

… I’ll let you know.

#DormRoomHotPocketsReady

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:46 am
Immediately went to Pogo.

Would have preferred dangerous to enemy. Per Reagan, we have opponents not enemies.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:49 am
Fines aren’t politically feasable in Chicago. Lori and City Council have been reassessing the system for a couple of years nows due to disparate impacts on inequality.

Second, defund police crowd will look at this as more police enforcement.

Comment by 1st Ward Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:49 am
Perfect; they are enemies of all of the rest of us trying to defeat this virus.

Comment by Just a citizen Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 11:57 am
== From the State that doesn’t have the courage to stand up to ABATE and mandate helmets for all motorcycle riders ==

The State tried with a law and lost that court case. Eye protection, which is related to bring able to control a motorcycle, is required for everyone’s protection.

Your analogy fails …

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:04 pm
Enemy is a much nicer word to use than what I call them under my breath when I have to deal with them

Comment by Drake mallard Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:08 pm
I understand the Gov’s frustration and anger; he’s ticked off and rightly so. In spirit, I agree.

But:
(1) non mask-wearers aren’t the real enemy, the virus is;
(2)unfortunately, shaming people into masking up doesn’t work

Maybe fines will have to be re-imposed as others have suggested.

Comment by dbk Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:09 pm
=That won’t happen until there’s a vaccine or very effective treatment, and even then, the virus will always be with us.=

And yet Europe and Asia are beginning to return to “normal” albeit with masks on.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:11 pm
How soon they forget. What about the infamous “You’re either for us or against us.”

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:23 pm
Perhaps “failing to wear a mask aids the enemy, the virus itself”.

Comment by Upon Further Review Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:33 pm
If any person knows of a simple way to prevent spreading a potentially fatal disease and then subsequently chooses to avoid that simple precaution…they,at that point,become my rightful enemy.

Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:43 pm
While I thought JB was channeling his inner Pogo, Upon Further Review has got it. Not quite as harsh, but gets the same point across.

Comment by West Side the Best Side Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:45 pm
I don’t understand the problem a couple of people here seem to have. Americans decided four years ago that’s it’s OK for elected officials to use language just like this. Unless y’all are just the kind of people who changes their opinion based on the political party of the person using those terms? That might be the problem…

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:52 pm
Is enemy the new deplorable?

Comment by 62401 Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:52 pm
Keeping in my mind we think a whole lot worse about him it’s only fair.

Comment by Downstate Illinois Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:56 pm
It’s easy to be upset when America gets extremely high numbers of new COVID cases compared with leading countries. They are doing so much better than us.

We have a president who very recently held a rally with no protection requirements and had personal indemnification from legal liability in a raging pandemic. The dude only cares about himself and would sacrifice his own supporters.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:58 pm
==non mask-wearers aren’t the real enemy==

After six months of dealing with the virus, I can no longer accept ignorance as an excuse…unless you’ve recovered from a coma or been on the International Space Station.

Comment by Jocko Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 12:58 pm
Every day I am thankful we elected Pritzker. I still have nightmares if Rauner we’re handling this.

I drove through Chicago two days ago and saw hundreds of people, all wearing masks, with the exception of a couple kissing in a park and two construction workers smoking. Yesterday I was in the western suburbs and mask usage dropped the further west I went. It is easier to maintain social distance in the suburbs, but there were folks shopping and hanging in groups; maskless. I had to step back from someone who I had to talk to and did not have a mask.

Comment by Barrington Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:02 pm
=== Keeping in my mind we think a whole lot worse about him it’s only fair.===

Selfish people would think a lot worse about him, that’s true.

The Karens throwing tantrums in stores, the men spitting and coughing on folks… not every Covidiot who refuses to wear a mask are those Karens or the “coughers”… but those Karens and rude folks coughing on people purposely aren’t wearing masks for the greater good either.

The company you keep, a pretty good measure here.

So, yeah, I believe you, you’d think worse of the Governor, look at those in your ranks… your allies.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:03 pm
If the purpose of the remark was to convince reluctant fellow citizens to change their mind and wear a mask, then you can’t credit Jay Bob with much knowledge of human nature. Calling people your enemy is not a terribly persuasive argument to bring them around to your point of view. But it is good to know where you stand with him.

Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:25 pm
Wish he had said it much earlier, specifically referring to the crowds in the bars on St. Patrick’s Day weekend he saw and talked about …

Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:32 pm
- Captain Obvious -

“Karen” wants no part of being persuaded.

:)

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:33 pm
any one who has a wanton disregardful of my health and wellbeing is an enemy. Don;t know how else to state it. I am proud Pritzker did not mince words.

Comment by truthteller Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:35 pm
You can’t reason with the unreasonable. These never maskers are never going to vote for JB so why try to appease them. Personally, I think JB should call them what they really are - potential killers. It’s a proven fact.

Comment by pete4illinois Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 1:48 pm
JB needs to ramp up the rhetoric now since he likely will be sending parts of Illinois back to Phase 3 shortly. People can’t be allowed to say they were not given loud and clear warning. He might even want to slip in a minor expletive or two. The situation calls for it.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 2:05 pm
Moving to Phase 4 was our test to see if we were mature enough to handle it. We failed. Carrot to stick time.

Comment by filmmaker prof Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 2:24 pm
Agree with Ron, “He is not wrong, but I would have said “problem.” He starts by saying that this shouldn’t be a divisive issue then uses divisive language at the end. Seems more likely to harden people’s opinions.”

Comment by pool boy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 2:51 pm
==Calling people your enemy is not a terribly persuasive argument to bring them around to your point of view.==

Why not? Doing so has allowed members of your preferred political party to win both the presidency and control of the US senate. Seems obvious that it works just fine, at least on some level.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 3:29 pm
If TRUMP had said this CNN, MSNBC and the left would be going nuts, demonstrations, burning, looting, civil unrest, Durbin and Duckworth and the mayor of Chi-town would be on TV demanding a resignation. Oh well, politics is politics

Comment by The Old Man Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 3:29 pm
=== If TRUMP had said===

Give it a rest. Sincerely. Stop.

Every single day Trump says something outlandish or insulting or derogatory… or … just odd.

It’s not that the press picks on Trump.

Trump talks or tweets

Every day.

Facebook is down the dial, can’t miss it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 3:33 pm
== If TRUMP had said this==

Perhaps change that user name to Rip Van Winkle, you’ve been asleep these past four years. If …. lol

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 3:36 pm
second thoughts tell me “enemy” makes for smoldering bridges and one way streets

Mask up for Unity. Enough divided. Let’s Abe-it Up folks. Respect the elders that brought us here. A little sacrifice for old Abe, the great sacrificed one from the great sacrificial state. We gotta save ourselves here folks. Restrain the virus.

Comment by vole Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 3:52 pm
filmaker prof @2:24 –

Spot on.

Comment by Flapdoodle Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 4:03 pm
I like it.

Comment by Peanut Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 4:03 pm
Anti-Maskers are why we can’t have nice things.

Comment by SAP Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 4:29 pm
Enemy - strong words to describe fellow citizens. Don’t agree.
The harshness of politics was born long ago.
The utter contempt for those with opposing viewpoints has overrun us.

Comment by Frank talks Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 4:51 pm
Not the word I would have chosen, but the sentiment is 100% accurate. But in regards to fines for not following the mask mandate, there’s interesting new poll out:
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/22/voters-support-mask-mandates-376132
72% strongly/somewhat support mask mandates punishable by fines or jail time (53% strongly), including 58% of Republicans and 68% of Independents.

Comment by MyTwoCents Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 5:14 pm
=The utter contempt for those with opposing viewpoints has overrun us=

Most opposing viewpoints don’t represent a direct threat to my health. This one does. When your viewpoint puts the lives of others at risk your not expressing an opinion, you’ve become a threat.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 5:59 pm
Par for the course

Comment by Dave W Thursday, Jul 23, 20 @ 9:34 pm