Prairie State Wire

Libertarian Party of Illinois executive director Justin Tucker argues all of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s restrictions have almost caused as much damage to the state as the COVID virus itself.

“I think the mandate, especially if they're coming from the national directive or a statewide directive are, you know, hard infringements, essentially,” Tucker said. “What we know from the virus is who's more at risk and we also know that shutting down the economy for as long as we did caused a lot of other problems that probably are just as horrible as a virus.”

Tucker counts everything from people relapsing or diving into substance abuse, depression and more as direct offshoots of the chaos and suffering caused by the pandemic.

“So, I don't think the mandates have really done anything, obviously, to stop the virus,” he said. "It's still out there.”

Tucker argues the state would be better served if bureaucrats left decisions about protective measures related to the virus to the people of the state.

“I think that if people want to voluntarily get the vaccine, voluntarily wear masks upon entering your business or your private property, I think that that's also OK,” he said. "I think local communities have more flexibility.”

Tucker said all the back and forth has led him to just one definitive conclusion.

“I've spoken with my alderman and I asked them, ‘hey, was it worth shutting down the economy for?’ and he seemed to say yes,” Tucker said. “That was really scary because we know who is at risk and we know how to take steps to limit transmission. I think that mandates and lockdown are a bridge too far.”