The breaking news today has been that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has tested positive for Covid-19 following a routine test on Tuesday. The Governor is currently showing no signs of symptoms. He and First Lady Frances are reportedly quarantining at home where he will continue to perform his duties.
In a statement, Governor Wolf urged all to wear masks, social distance, and be responsible & safe. Of all the people to contract Covid, Governor Wolf's diagnosis was a surprise to me….and a concern: he is 72-years old and a survivor of prostate cancer. These details put him at elevated risk for developing serious complications.
The surprise for me was that he contracted it. Yes, I know anyone can get the virus. Most of us take precautions to prevent exposure. But he seems to be such a meticulous person - always groomed and dressed to impress. To me, his one big risk of contracting the illness came in June when he joined demonstrators arm-in-arm to march through the streets of Harrisburg. This was in violation of his own orders.
Even Governor Wolf later acknowledged that he was 'inconsistent' in trying to show support for 'a cause to eradicate racism.' Outside of that, I would have bet that he was one of the least likely to come down with Covid.
This news comes on the eve of another major announcement: That of more harsh lockdowns or targeted mitigation of various businesses throughout the Commonwealth. The impacts and fallout of the first round earlier this year have been devastating. Personally, I think the 'Big Box Stores' and violators should be targeted not the small, family shops or churches that go through extraordinary measures to prevent patrons or parishioners from contracting the illness at their establishments. But that is a discussion for another time.
Following today's announcement regarding the health of the Chief Executive of the Keystone State the cesspool known as social media erupted. Some wondering if it was a stunt to blunt the news of pending harsh mitigations at Christmastime. Others wishing him nothing short of a painful and long recovery or, even, demise.
The latter is particularly appalling.
Governor Wolf is a regular guest on the KDKA Radio Morning Show. He pretty much joins us every other Tuesday. He is always welcome. His time is always appreciated.
Anyone who has listened to the show hears that I am critical or complimentary whenever warranted. I ask questions that I feel listeners want answers to. I also try to be polite and respectful to all. This does not always mean I agree with our guests or find the topic agreeable.
The governor and I are often far apart politically. We are also very different people when one compares resumes, education, achievements, and bank accounts.
We do have a few things in common. He once managed a hardware store and I have been in hardware stores. He attended Dartmouth University and I went to Clarion. Larry Richert and I once joked with him that Clarion is the 'Dartmouth' of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
However, this is not the time for politics or measuring contests or arguing over harmful decisions regardless of intention.
He is a person who is ailing.
On behalf of Larry, Producer Rob, Paul, and everyone at KDKA Radio, I wish Governor Wolf a speedy recovery.
Anyone who wishes him otherwise ought to self-isolate and reflect.
Sincerely,
Kevin Battle
Kevin Battle is Co-Host of The KDKA Radio Morning Show with Larry Richert. It airs M-F 5-9am on 100.1FM & AM1020 in Pittsburgh. Tell your smartspeaker to 'play Newsradio KDKA'
