This message is in response to the question in today’s Independent editorial (July 14) by Fran Fier: “Does Marshall really care?”

To answer that question just peruse the articles on pages one and two:

• Look at the photo on page one. “Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, right confer …” There are three people in the photo. Two are wearing masks; one is not.

• Page two, “COVID-19 cases … Gov. Tim Walz continues weighing whether to impose a statewide mask requirement.” As coronavirus cases roar upwards in some parts of the U.S. many states are considering whether to require masks, which health experts say can help to reduce the chances of transmission. Republican State Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said Monday (July 13) he opposes a statewide mandate.”

“Gazelka said people should be free to make their own decisions on whether to wear masks under what circumstances … I think mandating is a mistake. I think encouraging people to be responsible for their health and the health of others is a good idea.”

• Legislature page two: “The governor has extended his emergency powers for far too long, and it’s time for balance to be restored, said Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls. Minnesotans are ready to continue down the road to recovery without his overreach. We are voting to restore local control and fair representation for our constituents.”

• A recent Independent survey recorded over half of the respondents agreed that wearing a mask should be mandatory.

It’s obvious that our political leaders are not going to support legal requirements to wear masks, so it’s going to be up to individuals to care enough about their friends and neighbors that they wear masks whenever they are in contact with non-family individuals.

As an octogenarian with several underlying health conditions I have decided that it would be dangerous for me to attend mass, as much as I wish I could. Those who do attend tell me that less than half of those who attend mass are wearing masks. If those who consider themselves Christians are son unconcerned about the health of others, how can we expect the general public to do whatever they can to protect others.

We are living in a “Me First” time. People feel that they have the right to do whatever is comfortable. We have seen this in so many ways. We see it most deplorably in decisions about abortion. If this baby is going to be an inconvenience to me then I don’t have to allow it be born. I can just abort it. The pain I cause the baby is not a concerned to me. (I realize that some mothers struggle mightily with this decision, but in the end a choice to abort kills a human being.)

How often do drivers drive drunk, speed or go through a red light because that’s what convenient for them.

So why are we surprised that people refuse to wear a masks even if it could save lives and prevent an illness. We aren’t accustomed to doing something just because it’s the right think to do.

I know that his lack of concern for the common good does not apply to everyone, but its true of too many people in our current society.

Sadly, the words of the old song, “There are non so blind as those who will not see” includes way too many people.

Let’s hope we will all open our eyes to see the truth about wearing masks so vulnerable people can safety venture outside.

— Donata DeBruyckere is a

resident of Minneota