Don’t make it political, please wear a mask  | Letter to the editor

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Jefferson County, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases.

There is a requirement to wear a mask when out in public. There are people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons and there are people who are claiming a medical reason who really don’t have one but are hiding behind that for political reasons. I have heard people claim that it is a violation of their rights, that it is not a law and that the governor is abusing his position.

For the “violation of rights” argument I would suggest that a mask is an article of clothing and as such, since it is illegal to wander around nude in public places, there is no difference in requiring a mask than in requiring any other article of clothing.

For the “abuse of power,” because it is not a law I would suggest that people really understand how laws are made and enforced. In addition, we have executive actions. Executive actions are either powers given to the executive by the legislative body or emergency proclamations that are authorized by the Constitution of that body. In our case the legislative branch in the Revised Code of Washington has authorized the executive (governor) to declare a state of emergency under certain conditions and requires the public health officer to “Control and prevent the spread of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases that may occur within his or her jurisdiction.” The wearing of masks therefore is a legal action under the laws established by state Legislature.

So please be honest and follow the laws. 

Please help prevent the continued spread of this disease. Don’t let your political view end up harming or killing a neighbor.

David Johnson
PORT TOWNSEND