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Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to a letter last week acknowledging anti- maskers, as outrageously irresponsible in their actions but are responsible for prolonging the pandemic and harming the economy. The writer stated anti-maskers argue their personal freedoms or constitutional rights are being impinged upon. I do believe this to be true.
I take this virus seriously and care about others but I also care about myself. I will be respectful of you and I ask the same for me. I must point out that it is clearly stated on the boxes of masks that they don't protect or prevent coronavirus.
Some people have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask successfully. Some kidnapped and survivors of rape experience the trauma all over again when putting the mask on. Hands may have been put over the survivor's mouth to prevent screaming. Please don't judge or harass those that don't wear masks. You do not know their story and they have no obligation to inform you of it either. I have an autoimmune disease called Sarcoidosis. Many of my organs are somehow affected including my heart, lungs, spleen, skin, kidneys etc. My heart rate is so fast even though I'm on 2 heart medicines. I can't breathe well without a mask. So to ask me to put one on is like a death sentence.
I also believe my personal (constitutional) freedoms are being impinged upon and not just for medical reasons, also for my religious freedoms.
As a Christian, I cannot in good conscience participate in an exercise that perpetuates fear and self reliance. It is contrary to every biblical principle.
On the topic of government, the United States government is unique in that it is not governed by any governmental individuals. The authority of government also lies in the hands of the people and speaking out against abuse of power or dangerous mandates is actually our Christian duty as part of that government. To not stand up to it would be to not fulfill the responsibility we have been entrusted with.
Now this does not mean that we do not need to adhere to law but that we must speak out against it and not willingly give in to social pressure to embarrass ideas that are created from a place of evil.
Any forced mandate that takes a person's liberty, ability to earn an income, or affects their mental health is in direct conflict to God's commandments on stealing and bodily harm.
Reliance on these measures is to turn from God's promise that He will be with us.
The argument the mask community gives is that we are responsible to save others from infection. However, if you look at Christ's own ministry He had the power to cure every sickness and did not. We are not tasked with controlling the world. We are tasked with believing in God's promise He will be with us.
Fear or Faith? You choose!
Taryn Greene, Dodgeville