Commissioners from page 10
• Section 12 is interesting. Some businesses are “more equal” than others, in Orwellian parlance. So, some businesses can operate, and others cannot! In accordance with the Washington State Constitution, we, elected officials, swear an oath of fidelity to the U.S. and State Constitution. In small and large points, this oath of office is subordinated to expediencies of the moment. Maybe there are some exigencies that require that, but that road never fails to destroy the very essence of the Republic, so it is hard to argue that it should be taken. On April 21, in a 2 to 1 vote, the BoCC extended the declaration of emergency in Cowlitz County. The original vote may have been justified because, so little was known about COVID-19 and the risks were high. The real sway, though, I am afraid, was the concept that state and federal money would flow only if we declared an emergency. A lesser but notable sway was the concept of streamlining actions, such as purchasing. We all admit that streamlining is good; so why do we not do that normally? The
public should be very afraid every time an emergency declaration is made. Aside from inconvenient constitutional issues, there are common sense issues. No one seems concerned about the costs and consequences. What does this lockdown cost Cowlitz County? … No answer. Another issue is the quagmire of “information” that is released daily. Maybe you can sift through World Health Organization documents and learn the truth; I can’t. But what I can see is the destruction of lives as we take jobs away and tear down businesses. Does sheltering indoors help? I just saw an article that said it does not. There is plenty of fodder for discussion. But, shouldn’t the primary goal of any service be Hippocratic? Should not government live by the motto, first do no harm? I am certain that our COVID-19 response has long lasting negative consequences on the economy.
Longview is home to one of the safest hospitals in America.
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has earned an “A” from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. Thanks to the caregivers and providers who made this possible through their meaningful contributions to the delivery of safe, compassionate care every day.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is an elite designation from The Leapfrog Group, a national, independent watchdog that sets the highest standards for patient safety in the United States.
Learn more about PeaceHealth’s commitment to safety at peacehealth.org/patient-safety-and-quality
Kelso Longview Business Connection | May 2020 | 11