Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.
Dear Journal:
So, the governor made mask wearing a requirement and I’m relieved. Yeah, I said it. It’s not a popular opinion these days in a small town. But does living in a small town make us immune somehow? Or unable to read the data that says cases and deaths are rising across the country? Again. And in rural areas now. If we don’t want another shutdown, which I’m sure no one does, mask wearing is going to be essential when we’re in public. That means we all have to do it, unless a person has a real medical exemption.
“But,” I keep hearing people say, “cloth masks don’t protect from Covid!” No, if I’m wearing a mask and someone coughs in my face, it won’t protect me fully. Some, but not fully. But if I’m the one who coughs, my mask keeps my germs to myself. My mask protects you; your mask protects me.
People who have Covid can spread it for weeks BEFORE they show symptoms, and some people get off easy with a light case. But, that doesn’t mean the people they spread it to will get off easy. Even when most people recover, scientists are finding this disease can cause long term damage.
“But, 99% of people recover!” Actually, no. An approximate rate of death isn’t that hard to calculate. 120,333 deaths / 2.3 million cases (CDC, June 23) = 5.2%. America has the most cases and deaths in the world, by far. Wearing a mask is the absolute least we can do to save lives.
“But, testing!” More tests give more positives AND more negative results. More testing doesn’t increase the rate of infection, it will only give us a more accurate picture.
“But, Tyranny! Communism! Making me wear a mask is against my constitutional rights!” Um, again, no. Having to wear a face covering during a pandemic is NOT any of those things. One by one. Tyranny is “cruel or oppressive government rule.” If someone thinks having to wear a mask is cruel or oppressive, they have no idea what those words mean. Moving on. Communism is “a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.” Having to wear a mask is not taking away anyone’s property, or anyone’s ability to own their own business. In fact, it’s saving businesses by allowing them to be open during a pandemic. I don’t want them to have to close again.
And a constitutional right to spread germs during a pandemic? I don’t think so. We all have the constitutional right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But that doesn’t mean that someone’s liberty outweighs other people’s lives. As longtime Raymond teacher Mr. Lund used to say, “My right to swing my fist ends where someone else’s nose begins.” Having to wear a mask is protecting peoples’ right to life. It’s just a piece of cloth. Please buck up.
Song of the day: Buck Up – Carsie Blanton
Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.
