MASKS: Poem makes a point

Masks for Mardi Gras,

Masks for Halloween,

Masks at the Masquerade Ball

And occasions in-between

But outrage about a mask

For COVID-19 —

Your freedom above my life?

Isn’t that obscene?

My poem should make the point, but I am adding a few more comments. No one’s constitutional right extends to putting my life or anyone else’s at risk. Our Declaration of Independence proclaims the right of its citizens to LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all three of which are put at risk by folks who mistakenly think their personal freedom of choice extends that far.

Don’t want to wear a mask? Then STAY HOME! Walk around your own property or on seldom-used roads and allow the rest of us the freedom to shop because we are willing to wear masks to protect ourselves and others. Remember, your freedom ends where my nose begins.

The virus has no political affiliations; it attacks wherever it can. Some folks are more vulnerable than others but people of all ages — babies included — have died from it. Here we are fortunate to have had but one death to date. But right now Kootenai County is worse off than it was in May. UNITED WE STAND! That’s how we’ll move forward out of this pandemic. Wear a mask!

BARBARA ROSTAD

Hauser