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The directives from the Ohio Department of Public Health concerning how we are to deal with the coronavirus have brought many revelations. Until the virus hit, I didn’t realize how many constitutional law scholars we have, nor was I aware how creative people can be when objecting to the guidelines.

Take, for instance, the owner of The National Road Diner near Cambridge, Ohio. She refuses to close because, “it’s my constitutional right to open my business now.” Apparently, constitutional law is no longer the province of law scholars. The owner doesn’t tell us what part of the either the Ohio or the U.S. Constitution is being violated, just that some right has been taken away. I suppose it’s a really complex analysis.

No matter. I’ll stop by sometime. When ordering bacon and eggs, I’ll get a side order of Due Process.

The owner of a pizzeria isn’t requiring customers to wear a face mask and, in his defense, posted a sign that states, “Please reference the U.S. Constitution.” No explanation of how the U.S. Constitution applies. Not to worry. I’ll stop in sometime and say, “I’d like a large pepperoni pizza, please, and an update on the Equal Protection Clause.”  

Speaker of the House Larry Householder (R-Perry) gets a prize for being creative. He doesn’t think social distancing rules should apply to people from rural areas, because those folks already know about social distancing.

What? Run that by me, again, Larry.

Sure, Perry County might not have the population density that urban areas do, but rural areas still have plenty of spaces where people congregate —anybody need groceries?— and can spread the virus.

My favorite comment comes from state representative Nino Vitale (R-Urbana): “We are all created in the image and likeness of God. That image is seen the most by our face. I will not wear a mask.”

Really, Nino?! Look, no one has ever accused you of being the voice of reason, but even for you, this is too much.

Can we put aside the “likeness of God” thing for a moment. How about wearing a mask to lower the risk of you infecting other people.

I understand that people don’t like being told what to do. No one does. On top of that, people are hurting. Many can’t afford to buy food or pay the rent. I get that too.

But all the complaining would be a lot easier to take if people would be honest and just admit they don’t like the rules and don’t care about how their actions affect others. In these days when being transparent is all the rage, complainers should be transparent and say, “I want what I want, and I don’t care about the rules.”

But lamenting about the constitution and the likeness of God? Oh, puhhhhlease.

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Jack D’Aurora writes for Considerthisbyjd.com

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