Make people say things that shouldn’t need to be said.

As those of you that live in Missouri probably know, your governor and his lovely wife will be pressing forward with their fall festival.

It’s all very exciting because the hosts have both been diagnosed with COVID. Which begs several questions. Who is going to attend this shindig? People who hate their families? People who think fall is a one night only event? They say they will provide masks to those who ask, but it’s pretty clear that anyone who would be concerned with the safety of either themselves or others would already possess a mask, and would as well, be giving this situation a hard pass.

Between the band, and the children, and the hours of milling about, it’s a little hard to believe that social distancing won’t fall by the wayside. How is this event not being postponed? Sure, it will have been ten days since they were diagnosed. At least it won’t have been only nine. Or eight. But, here’s an idea: what about fourteen days? Or even twenty-one? Why not go the extra mile to make sure that the two people who are going to be expected to mingle with everyone are completely recovered and noninfectious? How does it hurt to push an event that could potentially start another wave of infection?

Perhaps instead of clinging to opportunities to gladhand, take this opportunity to show that you take the virus seriously, and show your commitment to protecting your constituents. But no, a party is a party, and people can’t be expected to miss a traditional festival just because of a worldwide pandemic. 

Here’s an alternative: