Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌





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Dear John,

Early this morning I was on a call with Vice President Pence and 34 other conservative leaders. The Vice President was kind enough to share a very encouraging update about our country’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

First, the Vice President reviewed the timeline of President Trump’s actions—stopping travel from China in late January, and then Italy and South Korea. Even though he was advised that these were unprecedented actions, he decisively imposed these restrictions upon receiving sound medical counsel. There is no doubt that this helped slow the pace of the spread of the virus here in the U.S.

Second, while the President has the authority to direct American industry to make critical supplies by the force of law, he has simply asked American business leaders to help. Praise God that these leaders have done so enthusiastically and effectively.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, the President has stripped away regulatory red tape that had prevented the redeployment of industrial masks for medical uses. The masks are safe and effective, but bureaucracy often isn’t efficient. Thankfully, safety and common sense prevailed.

This move sets solid precedent for stripping away regulations (not to mention slowing some expansions of government power) that defy common sense. Because it’s not just masks. There are other examples of regulations getting in the way of needed help. And already, moves are being made to fix these issues as quickly and efficiently as possible. My prayer is that this trend continues beyond the coronavirus issue at hand.

We are now halfway through the 15 days designed to slow the spread of the virus. The Vice President encouraged us to be committed to doing our part for the remainder of the 15 days. While the exact timetable remains uncertain, Vice President Pence said several times that we would be getting back to business in weeks, not months.

During the Q&A portion of the call, many voices urged a proper balance between the obvious medical concerns and the concerns for our jobs and businesses.

Vice President Pence assured us that this balance was a top priority for the COVID-19 task force he leads. I have no doubt that the Trump administration gets it, and is supportive of getting us all back to work as soon as possible (again weeks, not months).

Others asked whether we could move to an approach that quarantines the vulnerable and allows the rest of us to resume our endeavors. Again, the Vice President was clear that this approach is being considered and it is a question of proper timing. Ensuring that people who have regular contact with those who are vulnerable behave as if they have the virus is essential. But it is clear that there is a desire to move in this direction as soon as feasible.

Finally, the Vice President emphasized that the government response is federal in nature. Local and state governments have a range of options. Solutions should be as localized as possible.

There was no hint of a national shut down.

The fact that our top leaders take time to talk with people who are committed to limited government and common sense shows me the kind of restraint and wisdom that I want at a time like this.

I was greatly encouraged that this situation is being handled with wisdom, and a balanced consideration that gives proper weight to all issues and approaches that I hear each day from everyday Americans like you.

Before I sign off, I want to encourage you to pray for all of our leaders—especially President Trump and Vice President Pence. These are trying times, and it is my prayer that God will give them the wisdom to bring our nation through these uncharted waters to calmer seas very soon.

As I said before, I was encouraged by the Vice President’s words. I hope you are too.

Blessings and thanks,


Michael Farris

President, CEO & General Counsel

Alliance Defending Freedom






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