On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, plunge right through that line.
Run the ball clear down the field, a touchdown sure this time.
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, fight on for her fame.
Fight, fellows, fight, fight, fight, we’ll win this game.

In the fight against Covid-19, Wisconsin was doing pretty good. They were under a stay at home order which seemed to be working well. Their Governor, Tony Evers extended it until May 26. The Wisconsin legislature couldn’t deal with it. Two more weeks under those conditions was too much for them. Or maybe it’s because the legislature is run by Republicans while they Governor is a Democrat. Ummm…no maybe about that!

They filed suit to end the order. On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court made their ruling. The Governor had overstepped his rights. It was time to open up the state…..IMMEDIATELY! And not a slow re-opening, either. No masks required. Social distancing…pfffft! As many people as could fit in a business worked.

It took a few minutes for bars to open for business. It took only a few minutes for them to be filled with people. PARTY TIME!!!

In a matter of minutes, Wisconsin became what the Governor called the wild west! Donald Trump’s response to the ruling and the scenes from the bar:

“It’s a win for the state. The people want to get on with their lives. The place is bustling!”

Just a few miles down the road is the state of Illinois. The scene is totally different. Bars are closed. Restaurants have only delivery or pick-up service. The only businesses that are open are ones that are considered essential. Illinois will be under these conditions through May 29. It’s looking like there may be a break at that time. Provided that the numbers keep trending in a positive way, Illinois will then start to reopen slowly….very slowly. If you think you’re going to relive that Wisconsin bar scene of Wednesday, think again. Places that do reopen will be limited to ten or less people at a time. And keep those masks Illinoisans, you’ll still need them. You’ll still hear a lot about social distancing…a real, real lot!!

So what is the right way to go?

We’ve seen what happens when states open too soon. Statistics show that there’s a spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths. We’ve also seen what happens when states are closed for too long. Businesses suffer and die. People who have put their entire life into their work are losing everything.

Is there a meeting point between the pandemic policies of Wisconsin and Illinois? Is there a fine line somewhere near the border? 

Honestly, I don’t know the answers to my questions. While I may side ninety-five per cent with science and safety, there’s that small five per cent that feels for the people suffering financial ruin. I wish there was a way to work it out so both sides are somewhat happy. I wish the people in charge, who are supposed to be smarter about things like this, could put the politics aside and find the compromises to make it happen.

Sadly, it looks like that will never happen. I guess we’ll have to see which state is right. Hopefully, for the physical, emotional and financial health of its citizens, both sides aren’t wrong.

On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, stand up Badgers sing.
“Forward” is our driving spirit, loyal voices ring.
On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin, raise her glowing flame.
Stand, fellows, let us now salute her name.