We know that Democrats in New York love raw power. We’ve seen it in the way they govern, especially during the Covid-19 period. But we didn’t think they’d try to go full fascist so fully in the light of day. In that thinking, we would have been wrong.

FNC: “A New York Democrat’s bill that would allow the governor or his surrogates to detain individuals who pose a threat to public health ‘by a single order … in a medical facility or other appropriate facility’ sparked fierce backlash online. New York State Assemblyman N. Nick Perry is sponsoring Bill A416, which will be referred to the Assembly’s Health Committee on Wednesday.” Conservatives jumped on this blatantly Soviet approach.

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“So disturbing. NY bill allows for the *removal and detention* of anyone who ‘may be a danger to public health.’ Yes, that’s purposely undefined,” said conservative podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey. “Yes, it will be used, at least one day, to forcibly remove you or your children from your home for whatever reason the state sees fit.” She has a point. Ever known a liberal policy that wasn’t expanded over time?

The author of the bill, Assemblyman Perry, commented and tried to spin his way out of this mess. He was unsuccessful. “[T]his bill was initially introduced to address public health concerns related to the containment of the Ebola virus after it was discovered that Ebola-infected persons had entered the United States. I am an American who understands our Constitution is sacred, and provides us with the right to agree or disagree, and hold different positions on issues that may relate to our civil and constitutional rights.” Incorrect. If he understood the Constitution this bill would have never been brought up.

“There is no intent, no plan, or provisions in my bill to take away, or violate any rights, or liberties that all Americans are entitled to under our Constitution, either state or federal,” Perry said. Again, wrong. It’s at the very heart of the bill.

The bill mandates the governor”or his or her delegee” go to court to authorize a detention within three business days. “The provisions of this section shall be utilized in the event that the governor declares a state of health emergency due to an epidemic of any communicable disease. [T]he governor or his or her delegee may, in his or her discretion, issue and seek enforcement of any other orders that he or she determines are necessary or  appropriate to prevent dissemination or transmission of contagious diseases … to require an individual who has been exposed to or infected by a contagious disease to complete an appropriate, prescribed course of treatment, preventive medication  or vaccination. Such  person or persons shall, upon request, be afforded an opportunity to be heard[.]” Perry wants to establish a modern leper colony. Even in New York, this is unlikely to be made law. But remember, a Democrat proposed it.