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Dear Editor,
I am writing as a concerned constituent of the 17th State Senate District. I subscribe to Senator Marklein's E-Update and I strongly believe that staying current on civic issues is at the heart of democracy. I was dismayed to read Senator Marklein's statement in regards to Governor Ever's statewide mask mandate.
Senator Marklein seems to believe that taking the proper precautions to halt the spread of covid-19 is a political decision made by "Madison. "Here in rural Wisconsin we are blessed with beautiful countryside and good neighbors, but that by no means correlates to being immune to the spread of this pandemic.
Senator Marklein's misleading message puts us all at risk. I think about my doctor who delivered both of my sons into this world and the idea that Senator Marklein has put her at risk by making a health crisis a political issue is infuriating.
Our health care professionals here in rural Wisconsin are integral parts of our community. They are on our school boards; they volunteer at our free clinic, and above all, are friends and neighbors. This pandemic needs to be addressed by our health care experts and we all have the civic responsibility to heed their guidance. Because they are not politicians trying to win a popularity contest, but the people we depend on to keep us and our loved ones safe.
As a dairy farmer, my team and I have worked through this entire pandemic and take great pride in keeping our country fed during these troubling times. Now it's time for us all to take great pride in our community and do our civic duty of stopping this virus. The longer we squabble over the validity of science-based advice; we are only prolonging the effects of this horrible virus. Maybe Covid-19 hasn't affected you or your loved ones (and I pray it never does), but the tide is coming. If we don't all unite, it's us who will ultimately pay the price.
Governor Ever made difficult decisions to help keep our state safe. It was truly a "damned if you do, or damned if you don't" type decision. Governor Ever's was not my preferred candidate in the Governor's race, but I applaud him for making hard and unpopular decisions. Shutting down bars in Wisconsin is surely political suicide, but not listening to our medical experts is a disservice to us all. The partisan lines over how to handle this pandemic will be remembered by history as a tremendous blunder. I urge each of us to do our part so we can return to life as normal sooner rather than later.
It is unfortunate that we needed a statewide mandate on mask wearing. Wearing a mask is no fun (except at Halloween) but it is what is required to keep us safe. I have seen too many instances where social distancing guidelines have been ignored in our community. We seem to have a false sense of security here in the countryside. This is not an urban vs. rural issue. When a storm hits, it doesn't care if it ruins farm fields or condominiums in town. This pandemic is no different. It is time for our elected officials to listen to medical experts and not to lobbyists.
Thank you,
Scott Mericka
Dodgeville, WI