No one has the right to endanger others
To the editor:
This morning’s news, showing large groups of people all over the U.S. ignoring social distancing guidelines, has inspired this letter. I can no longer remain silent while an ignorant, selfish, and vocal minority continues to endanger others. Everywhere, I see people gathering in groups and going in public without masks. Even more absurd, I have been repeatedly sneered at by people for wearing a mask. Since when has it been considered objectionable to do the right thing? A mask is a sign that you respect others. If you don’t wear a mask then you have endangered your family, relatives, first responders, healthcare workers, everyone. It is indisputable that masks mitigate the chance of spreading air borne diseases.
There is a lot of talk today about people’s rights and very little talk about responsibility. Having a right does not make it obligatory to exercise it. The obligation is to use it in a responsible manner. Nobody has the right to endanger others through their reckless behavior. Wearing a mask is exercising responsible behavior, nothing else. I fail to see how asking people to use basic hygiene infringes on their rights. Should surgeons and healthcare workers stop wearing masks in an operating room because it’s inconvenient?
“The government can’t tell me what to do.” This is a sentiment I hear as a justification for not following the Social Distancing Guidelines. This is wrong thinking at its worse. The Government can in fact tell you what you can and cannot do. That’s one of Government’s functions. That’s how a civilized society works. It’s called Rule of Law. If Government can’t tell you what to do, then I guess it’s OK to drive drunk, shout “fire!” in a crowded theater, dump garbage in the street, and an endless list of activities in which we’re not allowed to engage.
When we Pledge Allegiance to the Flag we stand up and say, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.” This is a verbal contract we make to live in a Democratic Republic under the Rule of Law as described in the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution outlines for all citizens many rights freedoms and responsibilities. Nowhere does it state that we have the freedom or right to endanger others. We have our rights to express our opinions, protest peacefully, and change laws through clearly outlined procedures. Nowhere is it written that we can ignore rules or laws at will. Ignoring laws, doing whatever you want with disregard to others is anarchy. In the United States you are free to think like an anarchist, but you’re not allowed to act like one.
I just want to ask everyone to do the right thing. Exercise your right as a citizen to express your opinion, but respect and do not endanger others. The bottom line here is that all you’re being asked to do is wear a mask, keep a little distance, wash your hands, and respect others. Really, is that too much to ask?
Don Casamassa
Bokeelia