BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency
Roughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time.
The never-ending state of emergency, across the state and in our community, and servant leadership hypocrisy as espoused by our state and local politicians should be a cause of concern for our citizenry. As such our state’s Constitution does not suddenly become void when a virus or natural disaster occurs, and certainly should not be held captive by the whims of politicians.
Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. For example, the Lenoir County School Board and Kinston City Council require their employees to pick up trash, meet with customers, arrest criminals, teach our children, feed our children, and perform daily activities in the public. The only exception one can find is the Kinston City Clerk, whose bosses are councilmembers, who hasn’t held normal office hours since last spring. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom.
Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?
The citizens deserve much better from the people that are hired to serve them. Yes, City Council and School Board members are compensated for their time. The double standard they uphold is appalling. Why are local bodies using the pandemic as a crutch to only meet virtually, while rank and file workers are put on the front lines in person every day?
The pandemic seems to be dying down, and Governor Cooper dialed back a few policies this week, allowing slightly larger numbers of people to patronize businesses and sporting events, but this is still a problem. We should transition away from a government of constant emergencies and autocratic powers, towards one that leans on policies dedicated to recovery and reform, a government ushered through the legislative process, not an imperious one.
Through the General Assembly, the people have more say in their government. Families, small business owners and the like need not be bulldozed with “emergency” powers any longer. We must hold these leaders accountable, and reverse the never-ending crisis and government dependence mentality that has held us hostage for over a year.
It is beyond time to return the power and freedom to the people. And time for double standards to end.
