by Scott Buttram, publisher
Commentary
TRUSVILLE — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey will address the state at 11 a.m. today (Thursday). There won’t be much difference in the upcoming speech in terms of how it will unfold and her previous addresses since the beginning of the pandemic.
For citizens of Alabama, today’s address will be viewed exactly as the others have since the state’s mask ordinance went into force seven months ago. Ivey will announce her updated decree, followed by comments from state health officer Dr. Scott Harris and maybe a select staff member or two.
Alabamians, for the most part, only care about the opening remarks which answer the question, what is Ivey going to do. Can we return to normal or not? Most will tune out as soon as they know. At this point, I don’t blame them. The rest has become white noise.
With Covid numbers in sharp decline to the lowest point in months and vaccinations well underway, it’s time for Ivey to end the mask mandate and reopen Alabama.
Previous precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus have been reasonable. Citizens have overwhelmingly complied to help do their part.
Certainly there are those who would like to continue to mask up and socially distance until they reach a personal comfort level. There’s nothing wrong with that approach and we should respect the wishes of our fellow citizens with support and understanding. We never know what personal situations may be behind their decision and kindness to one another doesn’t cast anyone a dime.
I urge Gov. Ivey to follow the lead of other states and unmask Alabama. It’s time to begin the return to normalcy.
Scott Buttram is the publisher of The Trussville Tribune. You can email him at Scott.Buttram@trussvilletribune.com or follow him on Twitter and Parler at @ScottButtram.
