Letter to the editor: Gov. Tom Wolf's limits on liberty endanger lives

Gov. Tom Wolf’s response to the coronavirus seems arbitrary and mysterious. He prohibits work he deems “nonessential” even though it could be performed while social distancing. He allows commerce that is clearly nonessential such as beer and liquor sales. A mere two months ago, Americans were encouraged to not wear masks by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. surgeon general. Now they’re mandatory.

Wolf’s decision-making is flawed by the single variable fallacy. While covid-19 is and should be a prominent policy consideration, there are countless other factors that seem to have been ignored. The lockdown policy was designed, among other reasons, to keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed. Where the outbreaks occurred, to the credit of health care workers, all in need have been treated. However, much of Pennsylvania did not see an avalanche of covid-19 patients. In those communities, people with serious and chronic conditions may be going without health care because providers furloughed staff due to the governor’s orders.

Wolf stated he will not put livelihoods ahead of lives, but his limits on liberty endangers lives.

Ron Reese

Port Matilda