Gianforte rescinds restrictions on hours, capacity at some businesses

Holly Michels
Jan 13, 2021
Jan 13, 2021
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Bob Balhiser Jan 17, 2021 7:05pm

Here's an excerpt from a NYT article on Covid: "But governors...... in charge of the crisis squandered the little momentum the country had as they sidelined health experts......., stocked their advisory committees with more business representatives than doctors." So, does this sound familiar?

My advice with Gianforte as governor and a Republican-controlled legislature is to stay home as much as possible, wear a mask when you must go out in public, and patronize ONLY businesses that will follow Public Health guidelines. Don't patronize those that will not. Remember,"fully open" businesses will not be successful unless they have patrons.

Deborah Dick Jan 16, 2021 9:33am

“The panel heard from business owners, nonprofits and others that the previous directives were "too complex, confusing and difficult to implement," Gianforte said.”

I sure would like to know which businesses, etc found the previous directives too confusing.

Connie Wheeler Jan 16, 2021 1:39pm

Bill and Matt's paper routes, they both have small, tiny businesses.

Bob Balhiser Jan 17, 2021 7:12pm

Still think you must be a "bot" CW.

Bob Balhiser Jan 17, 2021 7:10pm

How hard is it to observe physical distance and wear a mask?

Yes, bars restaurants, gyms etc. were restricted and hard-hit, but that is where much of the spread occurs. Dems on the federal level tried to compensate these businesses for following the restrictions. Remember, it was Republicans who balked at this assistance.

Steve Slater Jan 14, 2021 5:57pm

CW didn't like my post so it was deleted. Another notch on my coup stick!

Connie Wheeler Jan 14, 2021 6:45pm

Daves my bud, gotta stevy

John Hollow Jan 14, 2021 5:39pm

Personal Responsibility. I watched the Local Government Committee minutes ago. No one on the left side of the screen respected his colleagues enough to wear a mask. I've been counsel to one of those committees when Senator Pete Story and Bob Brown were around. Each would have worn a mask. These are small rooms. Given that elected represenatives show no respect for his/her colleagues, how does our Governor expect Montanans to do so?

I was hospitalized from being in a small space with smokers. Secondary smoke kills slowly. Cover 19 does not. 90,000 Americans will die from Covid this month. Imagine a person in need of an income with a job as a waitress in a restaurant that now expands to full capacity, and is faced with mask-less patrons. Risk of death from COVID, or she and her children kicked out for not paying rent and ending with being food insecure. And with the bill being pressed by our Governor, the business moves on without any responsibility for its actions. That is what I would expect from Montana Chamber of Commerce. People are expendable, profits aren't.

Bill Bentley Jan 14, 2021 7:36pm

Great points. People have to understand “ personal responsibility “, in order to adhere to the principle. But, ignorance and greed are of a greater value to these people.

Bob Balhiser Jan 18, 2021 10:08am

John, you mention Bob Brown and Pete Story. Now those, like Eisenhower and other prominent moderate Republicans were what I call "real" Republicans. I don't know what to call many politicians with an "R" after their name today. Insurrectionists, maybe?

Bob Balhiser Jan 14, 2021 3:39pm

Well, lets see. Gianforte is going to lift restrictions, Republicans in the Legislature refuse (and even ridicule) Public Health guidelines, and Covid cases are skyrocketing.

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

John Ringo Jan 15, 2021 5:15pm

Bob,

Take a minute and visit the Police Executive Research Forum website. Majority of first responders in Austin Texas,(pop 2.5 million) Public Safety organization has refused the vaccine. 20% have volunteered for the vaccine. In Wilmington Del Public Safety organization, (Biden's home town) 30% have signed up for the vaccine. What could possibly go wrong?

You have an open southwest border to add to the surge. I wonder if that is why Arizona is spiking. Mexico does not require US Citizens to show a negative test. 500K americans visited in Mexico in November. Herd immunity?

Bob Balhiser Jan 15, 2021 10:12pm

We're not getting Covid from Mexico----- we're doing it "home grown" style all on our own, John. And anti-mask Republicans are doing their best to spread it.

Comment deleted.

Bill Bentley Jan 14, 2021 11:18am

Socialists pukes? Ok, where do you get that opinion? Do you know us each personally? do you know our backgrounds? Be careful where you venture with your ill-informed comments and accusations. You look like a fool when you spout off about things you know nothing about.

Comment deleted.

Bob Balhiser Jan 14, 2021 10:02am

I think CW is a "bot".

Comment deleted.

Clay Baiker Jan 14, 2021 10:00am

Connie Wheeler said "......... and let's see if "we" can find jobs for the liberal ilk posting here everyday, I'm kind of tired of supporting them socialist little pukes! Yes you matt, bob, billy, ian and clay."

You aren't supporting me, Connie. As a free-market capitalist I have taken advantage of the opportunities our system has provided and made wise investments that produce more income that you are likely to ever see.

Ross Nelson Jan 14, 2021 7:15am

Gianforte is going against the best scientific advice. The Nov 16 issue of Nature (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-01009-0) includes an analysis that concludes: "The most effective NPIs include curfews, lockdowns and closing and restricting places where people gather in smaller or large numbers for an extended period of time. This includes small gathering cancellations (closures of shops, restaurants, gatherings of 50 persons or fewer, mandatory home working and so on) and closure of educational institutions."

Peter Fabiani Jan 17, 2021 8:28am

The phrase of, "Best Medical Experts" is an overused term. Each side, Democrats and Republicans quote medical experts and rarely do the two agree. So what experts should we be listening to, and is the right one any one particular political party. For a long time we all listened to Dr Fauci, however, he himself gave conflicting statements regarding all aspects of this virus. So Ross, what medical expert is righteous, and who is wrong?

Bob Balhiser Jan 18, 2021 10:17am

Peter, do you understand the word "novel"? It means "new". New means we don't yet know everything about it and discover new evidence every day.

Did Fauci give "conflicting advice"? Yes, but when new and contradictory evidence became known he informed the public. He did not cling to the absurd notion that the Coronavirus was a "hoax."

Now this concept may go right over your head, but I'll give it a try. "There are no brand new, thoroughly proven ideas."

Joseph Anderson Jan 13, 2021 9:48pm

From the book, “Beartown”:

“...most people don’t do what you tell them to. They do what we let them get away with.”

Brian Foley Jan 13, 2021 4:07pm

Great call, let business' thrive and give the power of choice back to people. "Most people can't exercise personal responsibility" Get outta here "billy", and delete your burner account.

Bill Bentley Jan 13, 2021 4:24pm

“Burner account”?? WTF. I am who I am . I don’t run and hide buddy. Get a clue.

The only thing that will be given to the people is the virus. If I were you , I would try to be cute with my name....after all your initials are BF.....

Clay Baiker Jan 13, 2021 7:16pm

Brian, if personal responsibly really worked then why do we have a criminal justice system and law enforcement?

Brian Foley Jan 13, 2021 10:32pm

Keep going clay, I'm listening

Comment deleted.

Bill Bentley Jan 14, 2021 8:36am

Once again Connie’s ignorance is on full display. Like I said , I am who I am. I state my opinion and move on. I use my real name, no “burner account”, no alias etc. I don’t run and hide.

Ian Walker Jan 13, 2021 4:07pm

"Anchorage mask mandate and summer ‘hunker down’ orders helped reduce spread of COVID-19, state report finds"

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2021/01/13/anchorages-mask-mandate-and-summer-hunker-down-orders-helped-reduce-spread-of-covid-19-state-report-finds/

"4,320 Fatalities: U.S. Reports Highest Daily Number Of Covid Deaths"

https://khn.org/morning-breakout/4320-fatalities-u-s-reports-highest-daily-number-of-covid-deaths/

"The Latest: Las Vegas hospital declares capacity crisis"

https://helenair.com/news/world/the-latest-las-vegas-hospital-declares-capacity-crisis/article_5b0ddb90-4ea3-5238-9c01-78aa8b3d71b6.html

If Republicans like Gianafartie can't harm US with a flag poles; they will try killing US with COVID-19

Joe Jacobs Jan 13, 2021 5:33pm

There you go again, Mr. Walker! Using facts and science instead of personal opinions in the face of a global pandemic now killing record numbers of Americans is just liberal fluff. Once again, the genius of Gov Giantfarte comes to the fore. While other areas are locking down to restrict the virus, he is "opening up the economy" by getting rid of occupancy guidelines. Basically, Retrumplican policy on the coronavirus consists of going to the CDC website, reading their recommendations... and not doing that. I mean, what do they know?

patty greene Jan 14, 2021 12:59pm

He can open the economy but that doesn’t mean people will endanger themselves by going out, only to contract the virus and die.

Bob Balhiser Jan 13, 2021 3:27pm

What a great idea, Greg! With Covid cases and deaths skyrocketing, what could possibly go wrong? Our hospitals get overrun, maybe?

Gary Olofski Jan 13, 2021 5:46pm

Once again... California is all the further you need to look. Strictest guidelines and highest infection rate. They have 15 million less people than Bob's beloved south Korea. Explanation?

Bob Balhiser Jan 13, 2021 9:19pm

On a per capita basis (do you understand that "elite" term, Gary?) Montana has more Covid cases and deaths than California.

Gary Olofski Jan 14, 2021 12:33pm

No it doesn't. Check your facts Bobby you 1 percenter.

Clay Baiker Jan 14, 2021 3:40pm

Gary lives in that fact-free, “alternative facts” universe where “truth isn’t truth.”

Hey, Gary, how old is the earth? Greater or less than 10,000 years?

Clay Baiker Jan 14, 2021 10:28pm

Gary Olofski said "California is all the further you need to look."

More provincial xenophobia.

Bill Bentley Jan 13, 2021 3:25pm

Idiot move. Most people cannot exercise personal responsibility. The virus will spread at a record pace and cost the lives of many people. So much for all the pro life BS mantra. This is nothing more then a display of ignorance and political expediency.

Pete Oljar Jan 13, 2021 4:13pm

That’s why you’re more than likely a Dim wit o X-ray. You have to have lead you by the hand or you can’t think for yourself.

Bill Bentley Jan 13, 2021 5:02pm

Wow! That’s all you have. Ok, here we go. We will give you a second chance to formulate a response that defends the Governor’s actions. Science and common sense is not on your side.