MANDATES: Leaders, step right up

Local leaders don’t think that the president’s mandates are the answer to our present circumstances, yet what are they willing to do?

Our governor delegates decisions about masks or vaccines to the local level, yet will expend state resources to explore actions against Biden’s plan.

Rep. Paul Amador says the governor is “spot on,” that the president’s actions do not help “bring the country together.” Who is dividing this country and why? Is it for the common good or more self-centered reasons?

Rep. Ron Mendive wants the legislature called back into session so we don’t have to “listen to these unconstitutional mandates.”

The vocal advocates of “personal freedom” seem pandered to. What about parents who worry if today be the day that their child comes home sick from school? What about those with compromised immune systems fearing people not wearing masks?

What about people who choose to put the common good above personal desires? Isn’t that why we have laws and mandates, to provide for the common good? I don’t hear our “local leaders” speaking to their concerns. Why is that?

Call it what you want, President Biden is taking steps to provide for the common good. He is willing to take the heat from the advocates of doing nothing. Appealing to the “common sense” of those averse to vaccinations and masks has put us where we are today. It is long past time for action. Thank you President Biden.

ERNEST WARNER

Coeur d’Alene