It's only a matter of time before business owners in Massachusetts begin to defy orders to remain closed. State and local officials are playing games with executive orders and declarations while our merchants are watching businesses in the surrounding states slowly begin to re-open. This will not continue much longer.

We have been in corona-mode long enough now to understand how to function safely and it's long past time for the government to get out of our way and let us do it. Businesses are going under. Our kids are missing school. The faithful are being prevented from participating in their religious practices and we are being denied the right to properly bury our dead.

It's time to lift the lockdown and move on.

Some serious issues need the full attention of our elected officials. Nursing homes and senior living facilities remain a concern and need to be addressed. Our kids need to return to school this fall and that could involve renegotiating contracts with teachers and other school unions. The school calendar, including the school day, may need to be adjusted in a way to safely accommodate the needs of our students. Let's get to it.

State and local officials need to get out of the way of businesses and allow them to safely resume operations under the guidelines put forward early on by the Trump Administration. Health departments certainly have a role in enforcing those guidelines but otherwise, government officials have to allow society to begin to function again.

Focus on the things that need your attention and leave the rest to the people. We are intelligent enough to run our businesses and our lives.

We've got this.

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.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420