(05-22-2020, 12:24 PM)terry Wrote: Trump just decreed that churches are "essential places that provide essential services" and need to be opened immediately. Excerpts:
“The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now, for this weekend.”
“If they don’t do it, I will override the governors. . . .”
“If there’s any question, they’re going to have to call me, but they’re not going to be successful in that call."
Trump made no reference to the health risks involved nor to any precautionary measures that should be taken.
Of course, Trump has no authority to override the decisions of governors on this issue. It's ridiculous for him to pretend that he has the power to decide this and that the governors must come to him on bended knee to seek his approval.
The new abridged text of the First Amendment reads, ” Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. ”
That said, a place of worship is a superspreader factory waiting to happen. I wouldn't go. Couldn't if I wanted to. Diocese has shut down in-person masses since March 14 with no end in sight, and livestreaming taking its place. Parochial schools are distance learning for this year.
Audaces fortuna iuvat