The Political Account: Coronavirus is testing our liberties as well

In a time of uncertainty and disruption — at a level not experienced since World War II — I think we need to take a step back and ask ourselves a very important question: Where should the line be drawn in giving up our civil liberties in exchange for our own safety?

Yes, this is an article about COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus. If you are unaware of this — now labeled a global pandemic — you probably live off the grid and are in better shape than the rest of us.

Under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gov. Walz has taken extraordinary steps to try to limit the spread of this virus. As it stands right now, all schools have been forced to close as well as all bars and restaurants throughout our state. The current mandate is applicable through March 27, but all have been put on notice that this may (and very likely will) be extended beyond this date.

Restaurants and bars which have a pick-up and/or delivery systems in place are allowed to continue to operate. But let’s be honest with ourselves — most of these establishments rely on volume to bring in the revenue required to cover their debt load. In Cloquet, delivery services such as Door Dash are ill-equipped to handle the potential increase in demand, leaving our small businesses exposed to calamitous debt with the potential to compromise their continued operation.

Examining this further, there are roughly 219,000 hospitality employees here in the state of Minnesota. I wager that most of them live paycheck to paycheck. Many of the servers and bartenders rely on tips for sustenance for themselves and their families. Not to label these workers, but I bet most would agree that a large number of them provide the sole income for their households.

I can’t help seeing the irony, the hypocrisy, of this mandate … all you need to do is to ask yourself how many other businesses operate under a single roof with more employees than you would find in a single restaurant? Shopping outlets that house triple the number of customers at any given time? Yet there is a disparity in the mandates of their own operations.

What does this leave? So many affected families that could be facing food shortages as well as utility shut-off notices and possibly a loss of housing all together.

One crisis through panic will beget a new set of crises — a crisis that cannot simply be fixed by quarantine.

I can completely appreciate that the threat of a rush on our hospitals and clinics could result in catastrophic consequences. No one has said they are looking to end the spread of COVID-19, but rather to slow it down to limit the impact it could have on our medical facilities. But my worry is that the ripple effect it will have throughout our local economy could put so many more at risk to both their health and safety.

Declaring a state of emergency grants additional power and authority to executive offices in both state and federal governments to impose mandates and executive orders on its citizens. We, as citizens, need to be very vocal about the limits we will accept. Limited freedom of movement is understandable — given the circumstances — but where do you draw your line? What rights and freedoms are you willing to give up for your own safety and the safety of your loved ones?

These are questions we need to examine and answer for ourselves. In the meantime, please take into consideration all individuals and businesses that will be hit the hardest during this pandemic. Please extend your charity and prayers to these families in whatever capacity you are able.

I have a strong belief that our humanity can and will shine most brightly during these times.

To all of you out there: Stay strong, stay safe and take comfort in each other (from a 6-foot distance).

Writer Uriah Wilkinson is a local political contributor and a history buff. Contact him at uriah@

wilkweb.com.