Clearly implied in the idea of lockdown is that you and I are too stupid to make decisions for ourselves. Being so stupid, we need people who call themselves “the government” (people who are presumably not so stupid) to decide for us what we can and cannot do. We need these people to force us to do what is in our best interests.
Epitomizing this elitist mentality is Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey. When asked about the next phase of reopening his state, Phil had this to say: “In some cases we’ll be very specific. In other cases we’re going to point you directionally where we’re headed, with some of the details to be filled in at a later point.” (See NJ reopening: Testing is up, hospitalizations are down. When will phase 2 of reopening begin? – News – Burlington County Times – Westampton, NJ.)
There is nothing in what Phil says here that suggests he recognizes any limits on his authority. Apparently, Phil sees New Jersey residents as his subjects. He is their king, another “safety first” dictator. He assumes the right to “direct” his subjects where he wants them to go, like pawns on a chessboard. He believes that the people of his state, including people who voted for him, are incapable of directing themselves; they are just too stupid.
Yet they are smart enough to vote?