MASKS: Think of the kids

From the beginning of the coronavirus shutdown back in March, many people throughout the country have fought the wearing of masks, claiming it is an infringement of their rights. I have never understood that logic or reasoning. Here in Kootenai County, the majority of our population seems to be of that belief. As of Oct. 28, the wearing of masks has been mandated officially again. (Mandate: an official order or commission to do something.)

Do you not remember what it was like to go to grade school; the joy of recesses and lunches with your friends, as well as learning new things? Do you forget what an important part grade school plays in learning how to socialize with others?

Do you not remember how nervous you were to start junior high (middle school). Do you not remember the excitement of the first day of high school? Do you not remember dances in junior high and high school?

I do! It saddens me that so many children are missing out on those memorable experiences and have been since the middle of March. None of us is responsible for COVID-19, but many of us may very well be responsible for the ongoing rising numbers that are keeping our children from leading the life they deserve.

Forget politics. This has nothing to do with politics. Only by working together can we hope to get back to some normality.

Please show our children that you do care and start wearing those masks again — at least until our numbers start dropping. Even middle school children are old enough to know what the meaning of mandate is. What are you teaching them, that you really don’t care?

LINDA O’REILLY

Hayden