Wearing mask is a “choice”?

A front page headline Sunday (5/31) read: “Decision to wear a mask a personal one.” That sentiment is echoed frequently in all media by many who claim that is their “constitutional right” to choose NOT to wear a mask, and that requiring a mask violates their civil rights – even though most scientists agree that the mask protects the health of those around them and probably their own.

I remember 40+ years ago when about 50% of Americans smoked cigarettes pretty much anywhere they pleased: on airplanes, in grocery stores, restaurants/bars, ballgames, even in many college classrooms!

Then scientists discovered that secondhand smoke was dangerous even to nonsmokers – that smokers were endangering others, not just themselves. It was not long before smokers lost their “constitutional right” to smoke when and where they pleased!

So, where have all the smokers gone? Why are you not out marching for your constitutional right to smoke wherever you choose? After all, secondhand smoke takes years to damage the health of others, while COVID-19 can kill a vulnerable person in one exposure!

As a person in my late 70s, I grocery shop during the “senior hours” as designated by the supermarkets, yet only Costco requires masks. I often encounter shoppers without a mask, coming too close and even talking directly into my face. Maybe the food stores could AT LEAST require masks during those limited senior shopping hours, typically between 7-9 a.m. midweek.

OR, maybe I should carry cigarettes so that when I’m confronted by shoppers without masks, I can exercise my “constitutional right” by lighting up and blowing smoke in those unmasked faces!

Cathy Hopkins

Spokane