Dear editor,
We have many freedoms guaranteed to us; however, the exercise of those freedoms must assure that the rights of others are not infringed.
People who refuse to wear facemasks often maintain this is their right; however, their exercise of that freedom can be detrimental to others who are susceptible to the COVID-19 virus.
If one chooses not to wear a mask, one should make sure that social distancing is maintained to avoid unnecessary infections.
Until there is some mandatory penalty for violations of the mask mandate, there is really nothing to be done about it. The violator may be reprimanded, but then go happily on their way still ignoring the mask mandate.
While a lot of stores require the wearing of a mask, I have seen many people who ignore the store policy in those stores.
Why is there a mandate when it is not enforced?
Consideration of those around one’s self should be sufficient reason to wear the mask. Believe me, I despise wearing a mask; but I also know it protects me and the people with whom I come into contact.
The right not to wear a mask should take into consideration the rights of others not to be infected. The exercise of many of of our Constitutional rights is contingent upon the rights of others.
R.W. Lamb,
Iola, Kan.
