The pandemic has infused our existence—life has changed, maybe forever.

The president, governors and mayors, in various ways, have taken actions they believe necessary that have troubled, offended and compromised many among us. Virtually every action they take or decline to take has had legal implications. Maybe the actions were well intentioned, albeit unconstitutional. Maybe, offensively partisan. Maybe, flat out wrong and against the advice of experts. Maybe, simply unwarranted as a matter of health or economic policy. And for these political leaders who have had to act and take or decline these actions, or judges who rule on them, there may be significant consequences—public outcry, defeat at the polls, or even career ending obloquy. Still they have had to act or not; that’s the duty of the public official.