EDITOR:

Just saw the letter from Dana VanEffen about misinformation, and asking people to be informed voters. It was a response to a letter from Charles Smouthers who was upset about forced closures during COVID. Ms. VanEffen then says Trump ordered a national shutdown. This is of course, false. Who is the mis-informed voter here? Trump in early March issued three emergency declarations, none of which included any shutdowns, basically just allowed the government to disburse money to the states.

Then there were guidelines listed that were voluntary, these were never requirements or carried any penalties, just guidelines that states and people could follow if they wanted. Contrast that to Whitmer’s shutdowns, banning stores from selling paint and home supplies, making it illegal to operate a power boat, and banning travel to a second home. (which she did herself anyway). She shut down many businesses that were deemed “non-essential” by her own reasoning. These were forced shutdowns and rules against people gathering even with family in their own homes that carried penalties if these rules were broken. Ms. VanEffen indicates there are plenty of non-partisan sources to verify information. If only she would have followed her own advice.

Jim Andersen

Bark River