Laws vs. Mandates

To the Editor:

Terry, in my previous letter I was a responding to your questions as it appeared you were unclear on the difference between laws and mandates.

So, it is relevant to the context of your questions and my response to you. It’s also relevant because there have been several on this editorial page that have said wearing a mask “is the law.” It isn’t.

The fact that you taught government for 40 years and allegedly studied with some of the foremost Constitutional scholars makes your comments disturbing. I would think that you of all people would understand the threat of government overreach.

It always amuses me that when someone doesn’t have a valid argument, they resort to name calling, intimidation, shaming, etc. It’s very easy to quote “vast majority of medical experts” when trying to make an argument.

I’m guessing your medical experts are the CDC, WHO, Dr. Fauci; the usual suspects when discussing masks and COVID. If you have been looking at anything other than the main stream media, you will have found that there are other medical professionals that disagree with those above. Problem is the media, which has become the news arm of the Democratic Party, continues to silence anyone who disagrees with their version of the seriousness of COVID and wearing masks. Then again, anyone can do their own research; unfortunately, it appears far too many Americans just sit back and believe what they’re told without question. Questions: what do you think the odds are that all medical professionals are in agreement on the COVID and mask issues? Why is it that any medical professional who disagrees with the edicts put out by the three highly suspect alleged experts above are discredited and/or fired for having a difference of opinion? When did our right to free speech take a backseat to hysteria and quite frankly, not only misinformation but out and out lies? As a student of the Constitution that alone should give you cause to be concerned.

The mandate to wear a mask has been the tipping point for the abhorrent behavior of politicians (most notably those who are Democrats although there have been some Republicans as well) to turn into dictators of their states, forcing people to close their businesses, threatening those who refuse with jail, taking away their children, etc.

We are not Russia or China; our Constitution protects us against this type of tyranny. As a Constitutional student you should be outraged by this behavior. I’m guessing that since your focus has been on trying to shame people about wearing masks, you haven’t actually taken a good look around at what’s happening in this country. If that’s an example of your “contract necessary for a civic society,” then you should go back and reread the Constitution.

There is nothing civic or civil about politicians on a power trip destroying businesses and people’s lives.

I will close with a quote from Benjamin Franklin “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

I will take liberty every time.

Sandy Armstrong La Grange