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Be a patriot, wear a mask

I see reports from various news media about people who refuse to wear masks in stores, citing their “constitutional right” not to do so, or that they live in a free country and aren’t going to be told what to do. I’d like to ask these people why they put on clothes every day. We all came into this world naked, yet out of courtesy and safety we all don clothes every day and I’ve yet to hear anyone complain that it is an infringement on their rights.

The country is a collection of people who are all protected by the same rights and governed by the same responsibilities. If we are committed to the values of this country, then showing courtesy and respect by wearing a mask is no more an intrusion than putting on a shirt or wearing shoes. We don’t rant and rave when we see a NO SHIRT/NO SHOES/NO SERVICE sign in a restaurant. Why make an issue about wearing a mask for a few minutes to protect yourself and others while shopping? It is just another article of clothing.

Be a patriot and wear a mask. It is a sign of collective strength, not an attack on what makes you an American.

Bob Schatz

Spokane

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