A year to be thankful, glad

This has been a year where we can truly be thankful for family and friends during this special holiday season. There is no place like home, and this is where most people will spend the next several days instead of traveling outside our state to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.
In 2020 we found out just how fortunate we are to be living in South Dakota where individual freedom is valued over restrictive government mandates relating to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It’s been a long year for all of us, but we are turning the corner in our state and seeing a reduction in both the number of cases and deaths from the lingering virus. Good ridance to a bad virus.
Gov. Kristi Noem said at the onset of this virus that she would not issue any statewide mandates on lockdowns or the mandatory wearing of masks. In spite of tremendous pressure from members of her own staff and a long list of state physicians, the governor stuck to her guns and gave her citizens freedom of choice to do the right thing for them and their families.
Governors in states like Michigan, New York and California locked down their states earlier when their virus numbers started to spike. Residents were told to stay home and small businesses like restaurants and bars were told to close to indoor dining while big box stores were allowed to remain open for business. It really didn’t make sense. California and New York are experiencing a second round of virus case spikes, proving that lockdowns do not work.
Restaurant owners in California and New York are still closed, but are finally starting to fight back. Statistics show that restaurants are responsible for only 1-3 percent of virus cases, far below the figures for other businesses. Owners say they and their employees cannot survive unless they get back to work. An effort to recall the California governor is picking up steam.
A good suggestion has been made that for every week or month that a business owner is locked up by order of a mayor or governor, those same elected officials should go without a paycheck for the same amount of time. These elected officials should feel the same pain as the business people trying to stay alive in their cities.
Last Sunday evening Congress passed a second round of stimulus packages, this one for about $900 billion. Certain people will receive another much-needed check for rent and groceries, but this is not the answer. Small businesses need to reopen and Americans need to get back to work in order to get our economy rolling again. No amount of money the government throws at the virus problem will make it go away or totally solve the financial challenges of our citizens.
Vaccines are now being pushed by the government and individuals like Bill Gates, a self-described virus and vaccine expert who has championed vaccines in other parts of the world. The virus vaccines have had different reviews based on the adverse reactions some individuals have had after getting their shots. Those who have had allergic reactions to other drugs are advised to check with their family physicians before taking the shots.
Except for certain cities and states, the country seems to be getting a handle on the virus. We all look forward to a more normal world and country in 2021. The year 2020 will go down in history books as one that was like no other we have ever experienced in modern times.
Happy holidays to you and yours and thanks for your great support in 2020. We, and other Custer area businesses, couldn’t have done it without you.