How Much Tyranny Will Americans Endure Before Revolting?

            The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday is a question about how much freedom do we give up in our battle against COVID-19. President Donald Trump and the governors of most, if not all, the states have declared emergencies to fight COVID-19. They gain certain additional powers by declaring an emergency. These additional powers can infringe upon liberties and freedom.


            I have no problem staying in my home as a protection from the coronavirus that is sweeping the world – for a few weeks or even months. I do have a problem with a government that has the power to tell me where I can go and when I can go under normal conditions. I rejoiced with President Trump’s answer to a probing reporter about why Trump did not declare a national lock down. Trump replied that we have a Constitution that he loves and obeys. 

Trump explained that he would rather have governors make the decision about locking down their states. I do not know if a lock down by states is more constitutional than a federal lock down. because each state is like a country. Trump’s reasoning for leaving that authority with the governors is that he trusts them to do what is right for their own state. The fact is, many of our states are larger and more populated than some nations. Another fact is that there is much difference between the states. Some are crowded together with their people living on top of each other, while other states have wide open spaces between their town and villages.

I am concerned about some of the moves made by various states. Some of them recognize the right to keep and bear arms and named gun stores as essential businesses that could remain open. Other states shut down gun stores until Trump stepped in.

Most Americans will cooperate with government edicts for the local or national good, but we will overwhelmingly reject tyranny. One form of tyranny took place in Kentucky when two “circuit court judges used their power to tag and monitor infected people who have broken quarantine.” Three people were “fitted with ankle monitors and ordered to stay home.” Two of the people tested positive for COVID-19, and the other is a family member. They “risk arrest if they break quarantine again.”

In New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is using his authority to seize needed gear, such as ventilators and personal protective gear, from private individuals, companies, and hospitals. Cuomo assumes that he has this power by the simple act of signing an executive order. He promises to return the equipment or pay for it sometime in the future and laughs at the idea of legal action against him.

The above examples are only a few of overt acts of tyranny taking place as the nation and individual states defend against COVID-19. The question is, will the same federal and state governments expect to deal the same way after the coronavirus emergency is over. Americans are willing to support leaders if those leaders do not destroy long-time liberty. We can remain at home for a time, but governments at all levels must respect our individual liberties.