Rhode Island's Democrat Governor Gina Raimondo has been one of the toughest and meanest governors when it comes to COVID-19 mandates, having made threats to "punish" those who fail to comply with her commands.

Raimondo strikes fear in the hearts of Ocean Staters who just want to live their lives in peace while combating the invisible enemy. She uses threats and fear to whip the masses into compliance with her orders. And just like so many of her ilk, she exempts herself from those tough rules.

Raimondo, who recently "paused" her re-opening plan for the holidays, delivered a stern lecture to residents of the biggest little state to stay at home. And then she went to a wine and paint event at Barnaby's Public House in downtown Providence, where she was photographed at a table drinking wine without wearing a mask.

The story has gone viral on even the mainstream media.

This, after the queen of corona enforcement issued an edict that Rhode Islanders must wear a mask at all times in restaurants unless they are sipping or taking a bite of food.

Gina Raimondo follows the likes of Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, who told residents to cancel graduation parties for their loved ones, and then threw a bash for her brother's kids who were graduating last spring.

And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who shuttered salons and then got her hair cut at one because she is "high profile" and has to do TV interviews. And of course, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was able to visit her hair salon even while Californians were prevented from doing so for several months.

This type of behavior leads to cynicism among the masses and makes it more difficult to convince people that lockdowns or pauses are necessary. It also leads to a great distrust in the ruling class.

People have had it with politicians who demand one thing of them and do just the opposite themselves.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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