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Wonders why some don’t wear masks

To the editor:

I can’t figure out why some people don’t wear masks in public. I don’t know if it’s a lack of respect, defiance, or ignorance. My wife and I wear masks when we are out in businesses and among people. We do it out of respect for others, a want to stay healthy, and the scientific facts of COVID. We do it out of a sense of civic duty to help keep all people safe. Where is the sense of duty of people that do not wear a mask? If someone does not want to wear a mask for some foolish reason and our governor refuses to do the right thing, then so be it. However, there is no reason that we can’t do the right thing ourselves.

If you choose not to wear a mask at least respect those of us that do and socially distance. It is maddening to have someone without a mask step right up to you oblivious to the rest of the world. I wonder if local businesses know how much business they have lost because people don’t want to have to deal with the aggravation of going out in public to buy necessities directly due to unmasked patrons.

There is no good argument for not wearing a mask in public. The idea of personal freedom rings hollow. People can’t go in to many stores or businesses without shirt or shoes. People can’t go into these same places and light up a cigarette. Same thing. How about the rights of people that don’t want others’ germs during the pandemic? It’s just a piece of cloth over the mouth and nose. They can be one-of-a-kind, make a fashion statement, etc. This is about other people’s rights too. Politicizing it is a fool’s game. A medical condition could be an exception, but I don’t know what kind of condition would negate mask wearing.

So, if you wear a mask, thank you for doing the right thing. If you don’t wear one, you should be. But, if you think you have the right not to, at least be responsible enough to stay at least six feet from those acting responsibly. I think it all boils down to caring. People that wear masks care about others, while it certainly appears those that don’t don masks only care about themselves.

Al Deal

Fort Dodge

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