As further proof of how full of hot air those well-intentioned liberal do-gooders are, they've gone and welcomed back the single-use plastic bag in Boston as a defender against the dreaded COVID-19 coronavirus. Say what?

Yes, boys and girls, the single-use plastic bag that was banned in Boston and so many other communities, including New Bedford, is an unsung hero in the fight to keep the mighty coronavirus from spreading. It seems the coronavirus germs like hanging out on those cloth reusable bags and can hang there for quite a while, increasing the risk of spreading the virus to innocent liberals hither and yon.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has signed an executive order allowing plastic bag use in the city for retailers that qualify as essential businesses under the executive order issued by Governor Charlie Parker – um, Baker.

Unwilling to make himself look like a total dolt and a hypocrite, Walsh made it appear as though he is doing a favor for retail.

"During this challenging time, we understand the retail establishments our residents rely on – like grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants – need added flexibility to best serve their customers," said Walsh. "We are adjusting Boston's plastic bag ordinance to give establishments and residents the help they need during this time."

Truth be told, the reusable bags can transmit the virus and this has nothing to do with making life easier for retail establishments or their customers. In fact, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has now banned the use of reusable bags temporarily and is requiring all stores to use single-use plastic bags.

When all of this is over, perhaps the politicians will stop telling me which bag to shop with and instead worry about fixing some potholes, which is what they were elected to do in the first place.

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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