Georgia on my Mind ..

.. no, not the song. But as to that:

• Hoagy Carmichael wrote the song in 1930.
• Mr. Carmichael had a sister named Georgia.
• It has been widely asserted that he wrote the song for his sister.

Citing: “Georgia on my Mind” on Wikipedia, and other links.

Ray Charles made the song famous (and so many, many others).

Less-famous side note: I likely played this song with the Tri-City Jazz Band (OMG .. We have a URL for our second album). Maybe we recorded it on the third .. I don’t remember.

Back to business. I was quite surprised to hear that the “Georgia governor to reopen some businesses as early as Friday as other states signal similar plans“.

This, while the graph of COVID-19 in Georgia is still climbing:

And COVID-19 stats as of today:

.. we are still trending upward, which does not meet the guidelines for “Opening Up America Again” .. like, not even close. I guess the Governors really are calling the shots.

A disturbing quote from the article:

Notably, Kemp said Monday that no local ordinance can restrict the openings, which will be implemented statewide. “In the same way that we carefully closed businesses and urged operations to end to mitigate the virus’ spread, today we’re announcing plans to incrementally and safely reopen sectors of our economy,” he told reporters.

.. so, mayors cannot intercede in this madness. Here’s what the Georgia Governor is opening:

• Bowling Alleys
• Fitness Centers / Gyms
• Barbers / Hair Salons
• Tattoo Salons
• Nail Salons
• Massage Therapy

While all are expected to check employees prior to their shifts and practice social distancing .. I’m not sure that the bulk of the businesses on this list can effectively do their work while staying six feet away from their guests. Note that bars and nightclubs are still closed, and that restaurants are still closed until next Monday.

The Atlanta mayor is perplexed as to why .. note that Greater Atlanta has about half of the population of the entire state: “Atlanta Mayor: I’m at a loss by Governor’s decision to open“.

So am I.

Note that Georgia was among the last to issue a statewide stay-at-home order (see “Ordered and Commanded” on April 1st) .. and now among the first to open.

This looks political, not logical .. And I try not to be political in this forum. I do exercise common sense though, and I hope you do as well.

Stay connected. Stay safe. Stay home.