Op-Ed: GA Governor's decision to reopen businesses is political murder

[brooklynite]

If there’s no state order calling for businesses to be closed, the people who are unemployed can no longer claim that their unemployment is involuntary, even if it would be utter idiocy for them to return to work. A hairdresser or a massage therapist cannot maintain social distance. But they can certainly file for relief … unless the law says they can work.

“Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools & massage therapists.”

Not banks. Not software firms. Not factories. Not schools.

It is no coincidence that the businesses on this list are staffed by relatively poor people. Because that’s who he wants off the unemployment rolls. And if they die … well, they’re mostly black people, or Asian, and poor, and an acceptable political loss for a Republican governor.

The purpose of this isn’t to open up these businesses. It’s to get the workers there off the dole. Work, and die. Or don’t work … but you’re on your own. Because we can’t raise taxes to cover the time you spent trying to save your life and the lives of the people around you.

https://decaturish.com/2020/04/dear-decaturish-governors-decision-to-reopen-businesses-is-political-murder/

[LonePirate]

1. Kemp's decision is one based on Repub racism and classism along with fed gov't failures.

The federal government has failed to support states during this time of drastic economic strain. Repubs hate to raise taxes and that is the only or major way for states to eliminate their budget crunch, especially in red states where there is little left in the budget to cut.

Also, the federal government has little to recognize the economic hardship of individuals as the $1200 checks are simply not sufficient as we’re 6-8 weeks of a shutdown for many people.

If the federal government would boost support to states and individuals, there would be less economic pressure to reopen.

[jimfields33]

3. So ridiculous that almost 5 trillion has been spent and one check of 1200 is it.

[LonePirate]

5. Repubs will only give money to rich white people and businesses. Everyone else receives crumbs.

Not only that but the businesses receiving government loans, especially under PPP, are still laying off people instead of paying them. If people have income security, there are fewer people willing to break quarantines or join protests.

[jimfields33]

6. Yes. I just wish we had a democratic majority that could stop this.

Maybe in November.

[jimfields33]

2. The gyms are most baffling to me

I think the others can be done safely. Yes even a massage can be done safely. But a gym? I have thought about how they could do this safely and I can’t come up with anything. I mean sweat coming off multiple bodies that will go everywhere. Yes you can wash off the equipment after every turn, but that sweat will settle in the air and done even get started on a cough.

[rzemanfl]

4. The businesses don't have to reopen, right?

They can stay closed and say the cannot make payroll if they reopen because there are not enough customers who are idiots.