However, even as deaths in the United States soar past 262,000, many Americans continue to minimize and even deny the danger COVID-19 poses, refusing to mask or otherwise avoid the risks of exposure and infection, determined to prove we are indeed “our own worst enemy.”

One gentleman was quoted in a local newspaper as going so far as to state ... “While I think avoiding spreading disease is an admirable goal, there comes a point where you’re giving up more than you’re gaining for your efforts.”

I beg to differ. Giving up (temporarily) conveniences and luxuries we once enjoyed and took for granted before the virus — the loss of human contact, going out to eat with friends, to travel, to explore, etc. — seems a small price to pay for a better chance to continue living.

Some people believe that accepting health institution’s attempts to safeguard the quality (indeed the continuance of our lives) is somehow an infringement of our basic rights as Americans. That is incongruous with plain logic.

Yes, to properly combat the coronavirus, sacrifices will be made; financial, economic, personal, emotional, that’s very true. Had this president acted quickly and appropriately when knowledge of COVID-19 was initially known, the situation would not be as severe as it is today and certainly fewer of our citizens would have died.

There are proven ways to gain control over this virus, several nations and world leaders have clearly demonstrated and affirmed that. As a start, I will be more apt to patronize businesses that emphatically state, “No Masks — No Service” and adhere strictly to that and other preventive policies..

We have tolerated the naysayers and antagonists too long already. Here’s a narrative and a concept you may have to get used to. Your perceived “rights” do not cancel or supersede my right to live.

David L. Snell   

Franklin