This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Nothing in the Constitution

Thu., July 9, 2020

Note: the United States Constitution does not make reference to face masks anywhere. Those who claim a constitutional right to avoid face masks are, at best, claiming a constitutional right to do whatever the blazes they please. I am positive that there is no such right in the Constitution, and it is not in any amendment.

Of more importance is what the face mask accomplishes. The major benefit is _not_ protecting the wearer from infection; it is preventing the wearer from passing the disease on other people.

I am not aware of a constitutional right to be a disease vector.

Timothy Rolfe

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: letters@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-5098
Phone: (509) 459-5403