Friend --

You know you've struck a nerve when they react with histrionics.?

Last week I led a push from some Illinois Senate Republicans to ask Governor Pritzker to begin the gradual reopening of our state when medical experts believe we have the capacity to handle the pandemic.

You can read my letter here.

Reaction was swift and furious from Illinois progressive leader Rich Miller who mis-characterized the letter as a plan (no, the letter said we were overdue for a plan) and called it "ghoulish."

What he wasn't able to do, however, is dispute what prompted me to write the letter:? the goalposts have shifted.

The original rationale behind the stay-at-home/shutdown/shelter-in-place orders was to "flatten the curve."? We've all heard and understand that term.? We all wanted to avoid the situation where we would not have enough hospital beds to treat our sick.

Instead, progressives are now advocating closures until there is no threat of a second spike in cases--a condition that is not possible without a vaccine!? Epidemiologists predict that 80-90% of us will eventually be exposed to COVID-19.? Claiming that we can stay shut down until there is no threat of exposure is simply not accurate.

In addition to unity and patience, honesty is a requirement for us to come out of this pandemic stronger as a society.

I'll keep providing honesty, regardless of whether it causes progressive meltdowns.

I hope you are having a great weekend. Stay safe and thanks for reading!

S/F,

Paul

Paul Schimpf
http://www.schimpf4illinois.com/