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Senator Darren Bailey, who was kicked off the House floor for refusing to wear a mask, told me Monday he hasn't seen conclusive evidence that masks work to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Today, GOP Leader Dan McConchie assigned Bailey to the Senate Health Committee.
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) February 10, 2021
*** UPDATE *** Sen. Sara Feigenholtz is a member of the Health Committee…
“Having had a front row seat to Darren Bailey’s anti-masker and science-denying tirade during the pandemic, I certainly hope that after nearly 20,000 Illinoisans have died from the pandemic, his seat on the Senate Health Committee doesn’t result in another slap in the face to science and health care facts.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:40 am
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The tragedies just write themselves these days
Comment by Nick Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:45 am
Darren Bailey, pro-COVID.
Comment by The Doc Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:49 am
Trolling level: Expert.
Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:49 am
Perhaps, an attempt to educate Bailey? Nah, more likely just don’t care.
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:51 am
==he hasn’t seen conclusive evidence==
I hear Isaac Newton has a theory on gravity, tell Darren to go up to the senate gallery and collect conclusive evidence.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:51 am
A public official is spreading misinformation about a deadly public health crisis. I really don’t think we can chalk this up to “trolling”.
Comment by Graybeard Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:51 am
I have now seen conclusive evidence via that tweet that Senator Bailey should be kept away from any decision-making involving health, science, and reality.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:52 am
McConchie is making his caucus more irrelevant with each day passing
Comment by Wow Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:54 am
Maybe he’ll learn something there.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:54 am
== Maybe he’ll learn something there. ==
I would be willing to bet he in fact will not.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:56 am
Please, wear a good mask (N95/KN95/KF94), or two masks per CDC guidance.
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:56 am
Does anyone in Bailey’s district ever challenge him on his thoughts? There has to be at least some people willing to stand up and speak truth to him.
His entire district can’t be made up of people just like him. Any doctors or teachers willing to call him and his supporters out?
Comment by Give Me A Break Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:58 am
The epilogue to COVID will be the number of needless deaths that occurred that were enabled by science deniers and those looking to gain relevance through the pain and suffering of others.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 9:59 am
I haven’t seen conclusive evidence that washing your hands for 20 seconds is any better than 10 seconds, but it is recommended so why wouldn’t you do it? Same with a mask, plus it helps keep you warm nowadays.
Comment by Not the Dude Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:01 am
GOP legislators didn’t like being on the Public Health Committee and I suspect they still don’t. Why, because they don’t care about protecting the public’s health. To them, trying to protect the public’s health only means restrictions to their political donors and business interests.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:03 am
Can. Not. Wait until that GOP primary.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:05 am
so since Leader McConchie has documented comorbidities, that increase the risk to him personally, is he okay with Senator Bailey’s decision to go sans mask? There is an age old expression passed on by my dear departed father….”your rights end where my rights begin”. Senator Bailey’s rights to be free from masks stop where my rights not to be put at risk by your viral spread occurs.
Comment by gfalkes Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:05 am
It’s the living embodiment of a headline you’d find in The Onion.
Bailey has shown no want for the “health, safety, and welfare” of his constituents or to this state.
If McConchie is trolling us, can’t think of a better… tool… to do it.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:07 am
=Maybe he’ll learn something there.=
Being anti-science is Bailey’s “brand.” You and the rest of the ILGOP know that. What’s more disturbing is your unwillingness to acknowledge it and the resulting harm it causes.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:08 am
=== Maybe he’ll learn something there.===
With respect, sincerely, Bailey has made it clear he is “there” to teach, not to learn.
Good legislators learn. Legislators teach… when their colleagues bring them in, for the wisdom that they hold, and is given… humbly.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:11 am
I just had a coworker tell me the CDC’s guidance on double-masking is based on “false science,” because the CDC is somehow a less reliable source than the conspiracy blogosphere. Logical arguments aren’t going to work here.
Comment by Crispy Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:12 am
GOP of yesteryear: “Take personal responsibility.”
GOP of today: “Take dumb risks, willingly.”
Comment by sulla Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:12 am
Stop playing with the fools. Ban him.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:12 am
My God. I just can’t understand the GOP anymore. It is one thing to be conservative on taxes, spending, etc., but this? It just makes me cringe. How did this ever get so bad?
Comment by Tired Teacher Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:13 am
Stop playing with fools. Remove and ban anyone who shows up without a mask. Lead.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:16 am
“How did this ever get so bad?”
Well, for one, embracing evangelicanism.
That bunch have had issues with science for quite some time now.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:19 am
Bailey is certainly the most egregious, but pretty much all of the GOP members on the committee have said or advocated for COVID-related policies that are not consistent with the best scientific evidence.
Sens. Dave Syverson, Darren Bailey Terri Bryant John F. Curran, Jason Plummer, and Sue Rezin.
The good news is Dems have a 10-6 committee majority, so the GOP can remain in its alternative reality without consequences for the rest of us.
Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:19 am
Who said no one cares about the Senate?
Comment by Franklin Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:26 am
Darren Bailey: proof that Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” no longer applies.
Comment by Sir Reel Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:32 am
If Darren Bailey ever attended college, the institution should revoke his diploma. Did Bailey fall out of a tree and damage the prefrontal cortex.
All his anti-science rhetoric indicates difficulty with executive function.
Darren, stop babbling, wear a mask, and be quiet.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:36 am
==he hasn’t seen conclusive evidence==
Here is conclusive evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMvfvOky4gI
Comment by Conclusive Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:38 am
Honestly, every time you think things can’t get weirder, they do.
Comment by JoanP Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:40 am
Karma…
Comment by From the far, far western suburbs Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:41 am
I for one will not miss the GOP as it has chosen the path of no science, allowing untruths, and self serving, unethical action. True republicans should split off to a new third party and begin to rebuild. Disassociate from the nonsense and stand for principled action and values. Take a beating for awhile- but you allowed it to go this far and likely deserve it. Try to draw center leaning Dems and build anew.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:42 am
willful ignorance? Or intend maliciousness? Or both?
Comment by truthteller Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:42 am
Maybe Bailey is angling for a slot on Fox “News” - perhaps as a new science advisor…
Comment by Nobody Sent Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:43 am
Considering Jim snowball Inhofe was chosen by the GOP to chair the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works - on more than one occasion - Bailey’s appointment is right on brand.
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:44 am
Banned word. Banned word. Banned word. Head. Desk.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:45 am
This is right up there w/Marjorie Taylor Greene being put on the U.S. House Education Committee. Also, ‘no mask, no legislating’ should be a rule in both chambers.
Comment by LoyalVirus Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:51 am
If McConchie’s goal is to get Darren Bailey into multiple situations for him to look bad, this was an excellent choice.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 10:57 am
Historically speaking, science deniers have not fared well…it’s called Karma…and it’s pronounced HaHaHa.
Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 11:05 am
@ LincolnLad
You are right. Lincoln himself would surely abandon the party to which he once belonged, because it never was his party. He was a member OF a party, not the party. And in such circumstances (e.g., the absence of using logical proofs, the absence of using empirical proofs, etc.), Mr. Lincoln would have surely abandoned this party, not, stick around waiting for miracles while it damns reason.
If GOP Republicans want to have a moral foundation, they must create a new one, not, “stand upon a solid rock” that has already morphed into dust.
Comment by H-W Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 11:11 am
Bush league stuff, good grief.
Comment by DoinStuff Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 11:39 am
I agree with Amalia.
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 11:49 am
Never thought someone would be so proud of a desire not to learn or listen. He must have been a “joy” when he was in school. I would love to hear from some of his former teachers.
Comment by illinifan Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 11:50 am
ILGOP slogan: “Clueless, tone-deaf, and proud of it.” Since Bailey won’t wear a mask, can we compromise and try a muzzle? And yes, the Legislature should cause to eject from the chamber/floor any Member or staff refusing to wear a mask (unless they have a letter signed by a physician that they cannot). Imagine a 3rd political party with moderates from both sides of the aisle; we’ll call it the American Party
Comment by thisjustinagain Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 12:04 pm
I live in the district over from Darren Bailey. There are MANY people in his district, and near him who do not agree with him. They tend to just wear their masks, listen to science, and do the right thing. There is a minority of vocal citizens who follow him. It will be interesting to see who runs against him, and if his mantra about no masks, etc. will be part of the campaign against him. Many of his constituents are embarrassed about him.
Comment by Concerned Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 12:11 pm
There was a home for the elderly in Missouri that had strict protocols in place. Many of the residents had health issues that mask wearing would not be helpful for them. This place managed to be covid free for 8 months. Then someone entered the building, decided the mask for visitors did not apply to them. A short time later 25% of the residents showed symptoms of covid. 8 died, including my Father.
Masks do not 100% prevent covid, wearing a mask decreases the chance of contracting an airborne virus. We know this from 100 years of experience and advances in medicine. Nothing is 100% effective beyond extraordinary measures. Mitigation is the most reasonable course of action.
Mr Bailey your position is not based on common sense. If I were to say more about your nonsensical statements I would be banned here.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 12:18 pm
“Irony can be pretty ironic sometimes”;Buck Murdock Airplane 2: The Sequel.
Comment by Captain who? Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 12:42 pm
The words super and majority are getting better as they age.
Comment by Lurker Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 1:02 pm
Perhaps he hasn’t seen any evidence because he never reads anything.
Comment by Pius Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 1:52 pm
Darren Bailey and Mary Miller were at the same gathering recently. Along with others. A long time ( now former) friend commented on how she was so thrilled to be represented by Godly people. People won’t listen to science because it interferes with their idea of being totally protected by faith. Of course, they still want the doctors to treat whatever illness they actually end up with.
I agree with Amalia.
Comment by thoughts matter Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 2:18 pm
It’s as if Republicans want more people to die.
Comment by Rich Hill Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 2:27 pm
I am beginning to genuinely believe that they like being the minority party. The harder downstate and rural districts move right and the more guys like Bailey continue with the crazy stuff, the more secure their limited seats are.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 2:42 pm
==People won’t listen to science ==
These sorts of people won’t listen to science because it interferes with their Constitutional right to fish.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 3:29 pm
=I am beginning to genuinely believe that they like being the minority party.=
I agree. I also don’t think they have any real desire to govern or lead. It seems that the primary goal is to stand in opposition of everything even when logic and facts would dictate otherwise. But it does raise a larger questions. Why run for elected office if you have no intention of fulfilling the responsibilities that go along with the job?
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 3:35 pm
=== Why run for elected office if you have no intention of fulfilling the responsibilities that go along with the job? ===
Their purpose in running, and what their constituants want is for government specifically not to function. The party of small government has become the party of no government allowed.
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 3:49 pm
It’s in the same ballpark as Kevin McCarthy placing Marjorie Taylor Greene on the Education Committee in Congress. These folks are intentionally riling things. I suppose it’s one of the perks of being a super-minority but it doesn’t seem like a path out of being a super-minority.
Comment by someonehastosayit Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 3:50 pm
How did he get elected??????????????????
Comment by Sal Thursday, Feb 11, 21 @ 4:17 pm