Gimme shelter, gimme a break
Slim Smith has written the last couple of days about his take on shelter in place and how he feels about our governor. He stated that under the order retail businesses could be open. I have been informed that my business has to be closed while other businesses can be open and of course online shopping is wide open while I am forced shut down. Is this fair? I think not.
I closed my business two weeks ago, and I have lost over $50,000 in revenue so far since closing. By the time it hopefully is over I will have lost well in excess of $100,000, not including the fact that the facilities cost over $1,000 per week in regular expenses while closed. So to say my business isn’t likely to be affected is pretty insulting.
I see Slim is pretty much calling for everyone to go home and stay put which is just another pie in the sky liberal utopia idea. I assume since he is writing his column for the paper he is still being paid. I am not, and I will not be getting any stimulus from the government. I was going to apply for the SBA paycheck protection program that “may” forgive some debt accrued to help businesses. They published the forms Thursday and changed them Friday. Their site was down most of the day as well. This should give you some idea of “we’re with the government and we are here to help.”
My suggestion to Slim will be to stay home, don’t order anything or pick up anything because that involves people working. Don’t use your internet and shut off all of your utilities; someone has to maintain that also. Even the paper has to be printed and delivered by someone. Don’t call the police or medical services, same reason. Get yourself some stone tablets and a chisel so you can get your next column ready after this government overreach is finished.
The one thing I wish I could see is the very politicians, our “non essential” tax-dodging Mayor and “frugal” city council give up their pay checks for the duration I am shut down. I doubt we will see any of that, nor shall we see Slim practice what he preaches.
Everyone please be safe and support local. We need you.
Kerry Blalock
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
