For years now I’ve read articles about the downfall of democracy
and how democratic societies are doomed to fail. Maybe. But among the many lessons of the coronavirus is this one: we need democracy.
By that I mean, we need the balancing act that is our government, no
matter how flawed, divided and frustrating it may be.
Last week, the Illinois Legislature met in Springfield after having been absent for far too long. In their absence, what happened?
Gov. JB Pritzker was given free reign over the state. Whether the governor’s handling of the pandemic crisis was done well or poorly can be argued long and loudly. I say he overstepped his bounds. But without political forces to counter the governor, my argument is pretty pointless.
(As a side note to those who say, “You are overreacting,” in regards to
Pritzker’s power grab, I say, “Not really.”
Our country is based on chafing at the hint of oligarchy. Seems I recall both the youngest and middle boys telling me in history class that they learned King George III was not compelled to listen when the colonies started squawking.)
A hint of balance returned quickly, though, once our representatives
gathered. While Pritzker can remain fairly isolated from the opinions of voters, legislators are not always so lucky. They have been made aware
of growing discontent among their constituents. You can tell that by the
array of new legislation being introduced from central Illinois alone.
So when Pritzker said he wanted to give Class A misdemeanors to business owners who ignore his executive order, the Legislature balked.
That measure died a quick death last Wednesday, hours after lawmakers
returned to Springfield.
Even a watered-down version that would have created monetary fines
failed to advance, which angered Pritzker. Said the governor, “I am very disappointed, I think it was a complete abdication of responsibility on the part of the Legislature.”
No. Making political decisions is a responsibility of the Legislature. So for a change, it was exciting to follow state politics last week. Oh sure, the budget that passed over the weekend is balanced in name only.
We still have underlying fiscal woes and corruption that goes back generations.
In a few cases, though, the beauty of our flawed democracy shined through. That has been lacking during this pandemic.
Elmwood’s farmer’s markets will start June 12 in Central Park and run 4-6:30 p.m. each Friday through the end of August. Booth space is free but vendors are asked to fill out an application. Call Amy Davis at (309) 742-8000. … Congratulations to Father Joe Dondanville, who on May 27 celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood.
Father Joe is in charge of Kickapoo St. Mary’s and St. Patricks in Elmwood. … A crowd estimated at nearly 125 showed up, on their own, for a non-organized Memorial Day event at Elmwood Township Cemetery.
We did not print pictures in order to protect the participants, in case some overreaching politician decides to start fining people who gather to honor veterans. Numerous volunteers also scrambled to put up flags in Elmwood and in other local communities. Good job to all involved.
… Worth noting, is that Memorial Day celebrations have been moved to Sunday, June 14, in Farmington and Yates City. … Parting shot: Crappie, bluegill and bass were all on the spawn beds Monday. There’s still time to fill the livewell.
Contact Jeff Lampe at (309) 231-6040
or jeff@wklypost.com
