North Idaho and the virus

Due to your recent article on “Masks optional in Rathdrum,” I now realize a way to raise my I.Q. by 30 points, just by crossing the border into North Idaho.

The excuse of “It’s my constitutional right to not wear a mask” is totally idiocity to those who wear a mask to protect themselves, their families, and others. Although I a, a retired police detective and pro-law enforcement, find it hard to digest the regional police positions regarding mask violations as being an educational task. This is absurd, as the education process has been vividly going on since March. Hit these people and businesses in the pocketbook with fines and you will see an immediate raise in mask compliance. I totally understand that businesses and citizens are suffering at this time financially, but the health issue is the No. 1 priority, no matter what.

For the school boards and county commissioners in North Idaho that don’t have a clue, please step down and let rational citizens occupy your positions. Don’t play Doctor. The COVID-19 pandemic is bigger than you. Being spineless is not an answer to the problem. For those of you that blame Washington citizens for bringing the pandemic into your state, please park at the Washington-Idaho border at 8 a.m. and 5.p.m. and watch the mass of Idaho vehicle license plates going to and from their jobs in Washington.

Let’s all wake up and care about life for everyone. Oh yes, my brother-in-law, a North Idaho native, passed away from COVID-19 last Thursday.

John Kallas

Spokane Valley