MASKS: Mandates are enforceable

Regarding the argument put forth by our local mayors, police chiefs, and all those of the opinion that a mask mandate is unenforceable, unconstitutional, unhealthy, etc. Currently, 28 states have mask mandates. Are they smarter than us? More constitutionally aware? Prettier?

I am currently visiting McCall, Idaho, and people are masking up in the shops and socially distancing without rioting in the streets or the necessity of SWAT teams to enforce appropriate behavior. Some easy ways to enforce masks for the determinedly non-compliant are misdemeanor ticketing like parking violators receive. But hey, if the police chiefs do not want to be bothered (and according to the Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene chiefs, they do not, as it is all so, so, unconstitutional) then we resort to the old tricks our moms used … reminding, shaming and guilt-tripping.

Idaho is currently considered a COVID-19 “red state” and in third place, out of all 50 states, where the coronavirus is growing fastest. Only Louisiana and Arizona are ahead of us. People are getting sick and dying and the good people of Idaho can’t be bothered to wear a mask. Really?

JANICE ABEL

Athol