COVID-19 Is Not Racist
To the Editor:
This is my response to the letter by Paul Adinolfi (The Newtown Bee, December 11, 2020, “Fighting The Deadly Virus”). There is absolutely nothing about the COVID-19 virus that is racist. There is absolutely nothing about President Trump that is racist, unless you are a Trump hater. Racism is the card people us when they don’t get the results they desire or disagree with others’ views. This is a non-racist virus. There is more to this situation than hiding out in our homes and wearing a mask in public. We are a free society and can make personal health decisions.
At all rallies held by President Trump, attendees were offered a mask and the decision to wear this mask was left to the individual. We are in a pandemic, so there will be deaths. That is a fact. However, no one person is responsible for the spread in the US. Over a year ago, we all learned about this virus. The President learned, scientists and doctors learned, politicians learned. As of today, we all have learned more about COVID-19 and how to best live with it. New issues of government control increase daily, with no proof of effectiveness. Small businesses are being closed, with no regard for the color of the business owners. Racism is a false accusation.
Respectfully,
Eileen Gallo
17 Pole Bridge Road, Sandy Hook December 18, 2020
While I agree that it was wrong of Mr Adinolfi to insinuate if not outright call the majority of people who voted in a particular way in the election racist (and I was frankly a bit surprised the Bee allowed that statement to be published), I must disagree with your statement on personal health decisions. Yes, we are free to make personal decisions. Personal decisions are those that do not infringe upon the rights of others. Choosing not to wear a mask in a public space may well endanger others and thereby infringe upon their rights to freely enjoy that same public space. That renders it no longer a personal decision.
I agree wuth Dennis, and would add that if someone knows they have the virus and makes social contact with others, they would and should be held accountable for any contacted peoples death as a result.
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