By Mike Pumford
Forty two years as a proud citizen of Newaygo, twenty four years as a Teacher/Coach, six years as Newaygo’s State Representative and a constant prideful promoter of my town, our town. I NEVER thought I would feel the community shame I felt this past Thursday on May 21st. Such a disappointment to turn on the news and see interviews with event organizers from Kalamazoo and multiple interviews from event participants from all over the state. What I didn’t see or hear was anything from local leaders taking credit for organizing the event. WHY? WHO ARE YOU? DO YOU EVEN EXIST? It’s hard for me to believe that any local leader would allow an outside group to use our Community. A community that canceled its own locally scheduled events due to COVID-19. Spending the last twenty four hours texting and talking, via phone, with like-minded community members, I am (we are) concerned that this spectacle that occurred on Thursday has done a considerable amount of damage to Newaygo. Will tourists supporting our State’s Coronavirus mandates (the vast majority of Michigan’s citizens currently support these mandates) be less inclined to support a community that appears to place itself above the law? Will local consumers be less inclined to be supportive of the businesses that participated in encouraging hundreds of outside non-masked and non-social distancing individuals into our community, increasing the possible spread of the Coronavirus? Are our community’s CHILDREN, OUR SENIOR CITIZENS, and our most VULNERABLE safer today because our community leaders allowed this event to take place? I think not! To my former government students. Remember what we learned about FREEDOM: “One mans’ freedom to swing his fist ends where another man’s nose begins” this can also be stated: “One man’s Freedom not to wear a mask and not to social distance ends with the possibility of infecting another person” Newaygo-we are better than this! Be wise-stay safe. Coach Pumford
Ailene Pugno
5/23/2020 04:29:31 pm
Thank you, Mike. I was terribly disappointed as well when I drove through Newaygo on Thursday afternoon. I’ve been wondering as well how this came to be—clearly more than 10 people gathered, without masks or social distancing. Why wasn’t this event stopped? My family has been very careful to protect ourselves and others. It’s extremely disheartening to see such disregard for others, all in the name of shopping.
Sallie Hogancamp
5/23/2020 05:34:07 pm
Mike, thank you for being the voice of reason! I have watched the numbers of Washington state, where Lindsay and her family now live, a state that shut down early and kept their number down, to Michigan, where people defy and object to a temporary policy with public health for all in mind. I, too, am disappointed that outsiders with an agenda seem to be leading a few against the safety of the many. Unprecedented times are upon us, but loss of “freedom”. I feel the protestors have no idea of what living without freedom entails. 5/23/2020 05:34:37 pm
I feel the same way. I grew up in Grant and live in White Cloud, but my Dad owned a Texaco station in Newaygo for many years. He would have been applaued if he were alive today. Our numbers with the virus have increased and I'm afraid what they might be in a couple of weeks.
Laurie .arshall
5/23/2020 05:47:24 pm
Respect Mr. Pumford, well said, thank you for your sanity of the situation.
Mary Anderson
5/23/2020 06:56:11 pm
Well said Mike and thank you for speaking out! I support your words 100% There are those who want to make a statement but this is not the time or place!
Harry Nolan
5/23/2020 07:15:15 pm
Absolutely. This "freedom fest" could not ha e happened without the knowledge and approval of one or more of the City of Newaygo elected officials. None have come forward. Are they afraid of the consequences of their action, after the city and area residence reacted? Why must they now hide? If it was your OK that brought this embarrassment to our community stand up and say it was you. Or, you should not be here either.
Donna Carpenter
5/23/2020 07:22:37 pm
Well said Mike!!!! Thank you for speaking for many of your community!
Doug Powers
5/23/2020 07:36:16 pm
Great job Mike!
Debi Church
5/23/2020 07:52:40 pm
I so agree with you. Rules are for everyone like them or not. I really hope my little town doesn’t allow it.
Nick
5/25/2020 11:48:06 am
Robb Breen
5/23/2020 08:49:22 pm
Sorry Mike I'll have to totally disagree with you on most of this. I'm just not seeing a "vast majority" of Michigan's Citizens approving of the Governor circumventing the legislagure to achieve an agenda that has gone beyond protecting lives. ( Moving Covid patients from one nursing home to another non Covid nursing home?) I personally have heard nothing but positive feedback from the peaceful protest that happened Thursday. We all are entitled to our opinions however as a former government student of yours I also learned there are three branches of government that must work together. We got rid of the king and queen a long time ago.😀
Mike Pumford
5/24/2020 07:01:13 am
Your old government teacher is proud of you Robb. Good dialogue and some good thoughts.-Three Branches or Government 😊- We will respectfully disagree on this one,but might be in total agreement on the next issue. Take Care and say hi to your family for me. Ms Reese says hi
Angie
5/24/2020 07:33:35 pm
Thank you for this comment as this is far more truthful than the original argument. This Governor is acting alone in any extended stay home orders going forward from April 30. It’s sad when the simplest understanding of how government works is ignored.
Sally Kane
5/23/2020 09:02:36 pm
Thank you, Mike. Amen. I was outraged when I learned about this irresponsible event and behavior. The implications are far reaching.
Karol Schaner
5/23/2020 09:27:46 pm
Thank you for speaking to the human aspect of this! Not to the political one! Bravo!
Donna Roberts
5/23/2020 09:55:30 pm
Thank you mike well said
Scott Henderson
5/23/2020 09:59:29 pm
. We should not support a Governor that does not follow the constitution of the state she has sworn to uphold. I agree cov19 was an issue and action had to be taken. But the Govenor since April 30 at midnight has not followed the laws or the authority of the land. Some may not agree with what happen in Newaygo or Grand Rapids and that is fine we are all entitled to a opinion. But we need to make sure we voice the truth of what tyrannical acts are actually happening. We can not allow these acts to keep happening. Really its not about being democrat, republican , or independent. It's about making sure emergency powers are not used for agenda or illegally.
Greg Vander Horn
5/23/2020 10:18:49 pm
Mike, well spoken. Thank you.
Brenda Huckins Bonter
5/23/2020 10:41:13 pm
Thanks so much for putting into words what so many were thinking,
Karen Thorington
5/23/2020 11:29:19 pm
In ‘6’ long weeks we have left our home only a couple of times to pick up curbside groceries. When we see that the virus curve has flattened enough to allow us to leave our home safely we will not know which Newaygo restaurants/businesses are seriously concerned with the spread of Covid19. Who organized this event? No masks in the picture is alarming. If this was a political rally it would be helpful for it to have been identified as such so we ‘old folk’ wouldn’t feel that we should tightly roll our windows up as we now drive through Newaygo. For this event to be called a ‘Town Opening’ during a pandemic seems unfair to the many business people in Newaygo who care for their customer’s well being. And we don’t know who you are.
Marsha Reeves
5/24/2020 08:32:00 am
Thank you for speaking for many of us here! And thank you for providing an opportunity for so many to show that we do support Gov. Whitmer's actions. We've slowed the spread here because she took the quick action that the legislature couldn't. That's why she has those powers, so she can quickly do what would take the legislature weeks to do. Thursday's rally here was an embarrassment! I'm hoping it hasn't done damage to our ability to keep ourselves and others safe.
Mary Shafer
5/24/2020 08:53:49 am
Thanks Mike for always being someone I can admire. You have always stood for equality for all and this reflects your continued concern for all people. Your friend, Mary
Thomas C Threatt Jr
5/24/2020 10:50:10 am
I am going to have to disagree with you on all of it. When just under 50% of the deaths are from nursing home in 4 counties on the other side of the state, how does that justify some ones business being closed. How does a what if or possibility have the validity of taking memories, jobs, and livelihoods away from people. I went to Jimmy's the night it opened and saw local and non local supporting that place. Just as I saw downtown these last few days of people local and non local spending money. The ramifications of this so called pandemic will not be from the deaths of the sick which have been a controversy to say the least but it will come to mental and physical health of people who aren't are or not afraid to go see doctors for things that are needed.
Carolyn Hummel
5/24/2020 11:09:32 am
Well said, Mike. Regardless of what party or candidate we support, we need to focus on being socially responsible during this pandemic. Covid 19 doesn’t care about politics or where we live. Let’s unite, not incite.
Diane Purgiel
5/24/2020 11:54:06 am
Thank you Mr. Pumford for articulating what the majority of the tax paying citizens felt when our beautiful river town was taken over by an outside group with total disregard for our public health.
Nathan Bauer
5/24/2020 12:37:26 pm
Mr. Pumford, I totally agree with you and your stance on this issue. I've Newaygo as it is as you know my home town and I am sad to see an event like this happening disrespecting our community where family and friends still reside! I hope that City of Newaygo has seen this and is feeling shameful for this action that has happened! Thanks again for standing up.for ourittle home town!
Anne Vandekieft
5/24/2020 01:02:07 pm
Thanks Mike for speaking up! Well said. I am very concerned about the image of Newaygo and Newaygo County. Sometimes Obedience is a challenge. The Safety of ourselves and others should not be. This Health Crisis will not last forever. It is temporary.
Amanda Berry
5/24/2020 03:12:35 pm
Thank you for this. It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone who has common sense and decency around here. 5/24/2020 03:49:53 pm
I couldn’t agree more. We proudly wear our masks and socially distance hoping to make a small difference for our family, friends and neighbors.
Randy Butters
5/24/2020 04:06:59 pm
Thank you, Mike --well said.
Debra A. Henning
5/24/2020 05:17:27 pm
Thank you! 5/24/2020 06:10:13 pm
Thank you, Mike for saying what so many of us are feeling.
Cathy Kellerman
5/24/2020 10:59:54 pm
I agree with you, Mike. Stay Home Stay Safe and social distancing doesn't work unless everyone follows the rules. All those gathered in the park in Newaygo had the potential to infect each other, the to pass on the virus to whoever they encountered after tnot heir festival. How can it be such a hardship to stay in your own home and yard to protect yourself, your family and friends. It is not a prison, it is your own home, and it is for a positive healthy outcome. Quit complaining and get with the program to stay healthy.
Amy
5/24/2020 11:37:40 pm
Thank you Mike. As a younger person who is immune compromised, has to take immune suppressants, and has other medical issues it is good to hear there are some in the community who care. It really means a lot.
Amy MacDonald
5/25/2020 07:25:20 am
Thank you, Mike. I, too, was embarrassed and saddened by what went on in Newaygo last week. Freedom and liberty do not come without responsibility to the "general welfare" of "the people" of "the United States". The constitution does not say, "This is America I can do whatever I want".
Ted Nelson
5/25/2020 08:40:29 am
Thank you Mike for looking out for others and speaking up in these very difficult times. Caring for the welfare of others is how we were brought up.
John Johnson (1961)
5/25/2020 09:52:09 am
I guess if you like living in a cage and quivering at each knock on the door and running to the curb to find your sustanance you would agree with the majority. But I choose to live life, keep your mask, keep your distance and stop infringing on others rights. Get busy living or get busy dying, I choose living.
Diane Purgiel
5/25/2020 11:13:59 am
Next time you have a health issue would you rather see and listen to your local representative or a trained medical professional? As we have seen in both our government and the response it is a divided time. COVID is not about politics. COVID is about science and health. The governor listened to people who are from the medical profession not politicians.
Nan Pokerwinski
5/25/2020 11:25:36 am
Thank you for this wisdom, so well articulated.
Gail Graeser
5/25/2020 11:31:03 am
To Whom this all Concerns:
Crystal Waye
5/25/2020 02:58:11 pm
Thank you for your letter, Mike. I feel both relieved and angered to hear it was an outside group that organized the gathering. Where were the police? Why weren't citations being written? I grew up in Newaygo and now live out of state. I still have a lot of family and friends in Newaygo, and I worry for their safety. I pray that this group didn't come in, spread the virus, encourage others to be reckless, and then leave with no repercussions. People from all over the world are continuing to make sacrifices to help control the virus. It's bizarre to see groups of people blaming the MI governor and disregarding everyone's safety, but I'm glad to see that not everyone is being so petty. Stay safe! Comments are closed.
|
Letter to the Editor PolicyNear North Now welcomes original letters from readers on current topics of general interest. Simply fill out the form below. Letters submissions are limited to 300 words. Archives
October 2024
Categories |