I am writing in response to the May 13 decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court which struck down Governor Evers’ Safer at Home order. I understand that decision now requires the DHS to follow a convoluted rulemaking process in order to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When I was a child, I was taught that the purpose of government was to protect the common good, and that laws are created to help us all live together safely and happily. I was also taught that it is our duty as citizens to be especially mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable among us: for example, the elderly, or the chronically ill. As a child, these concepts made sense to me, and I have tried to live by them and teach them to my own children. Surely these ideas are easily comprehensible, and I hope most of us try to abide by them.
Governor Evers enacted the Safer at Home order to protect the common good, to help the citizens of our state to live together safely, and address the needs of the vulnerable. In a marked contrast, our Wisconsin Supreme Court has decided to put business profits and the interests of tavern owners ahead of public health. Shame on them.
I urge both of you immediately to correct the Supreme Court’s error. Please do whatever it takes to enact legislation that will help us quickly respond to this pandemic and protect public health, especially keeping in mind our most vulnerable citizens.
Sincerely,
Paula Wendland
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin