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Voice of Our Readers May 6, 2021

To the Editor:
I work at a retail store that requires mask- wearing for anyone within the store. Because of that, we have been called everything from a communist, a loser, stupid, dumb, and other names that I cannot print.
Wearing a mask does not take away your freedom. You wear a mask to protect your family, loved ones, and those around you from you, just like they wear a mask to protect you from them. It’s a matter of respect. It does not take away your freedom.
Does wearing a seat belt take away your freedom? Not being able to enter a restaurant without shoes or shirt, does that take away your freedom? Not allowed to yell “fire” in a crowed movie theater, does that take away your freedom? Having a speed limit or stop signs on a highway, does that take away your freedom?
I wore a steel helmet for 14 months in Vietnam as a ground infantry soldier, not unlike many other soldiers who have done the same thing over history. That did not take away my freedom – it probably saved my life, just like wearing a mask has maybe saved my life.
So, if not wearing a mask is more important to you than your family, friends, or those around you, then that is the least of your worries.
Alan Harnack
Beaver Creek

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