Dear Editor,
I’ve been a “free Enterprise” supporter all my life. With that being said, every system has flaws. Some having far more flaws than others. I was wavering back and forth whether to express my opinion until this morning.
First off, I’ve always opposed our government picking “winners and losers,” which is exactly what they did with COVID-19 in determining who are essential businesses and who are not. Liquor stores are deemed to be essential. Really? Then, not to require essential businesses’ employees to wear masks is baffling!! Then, just this morning, I witnessed a city employee weed eating the bike path. Essential? I think not!! Heaven forbid we lay off even one government worker!
As for the stimulus money sent out. I trust well-intended, however, consider this: I’ve personally been to a major lumberyard about six times (admittingly, non-essential buying). Busy, busy, with the vast majority of people non-essential buying as well. Most were NOT contractors, simply people buying product catching up on home improvement projects. Why do I bring this up? Understanding human behavior, the majority of that stimulus money will be spent before they allow the rest of America (non-essential businesses) to even open their doors. No money left to stimulate, without having another wave of money?
Many small businesses will be very likely “unable” and even “unwilling” to hire back to pre-COVID days. I believe that a lot of small businesses will not recover. Wages or hours, part-time and full-time positions may be cut. Our economy is going to hurt for a very long time. I do pray I am wrong.
Had the 90% or so media coverage of COVID-19 been dedicated to getting the public and businesses to adhere to recommended guidelines, I believe the majority (certainly not all) would have responded favorably, without locking down our economy as they did. Should this shutdown “backfire”, then what????????????
Edward Hoem
Billings, MT
