Sound Off for May 24, 2020

Not free

I was very young when a beloved neighbor was unable to afford the nominal increase in the price of a local newspaper. That’s when I learned that “freedom of the press” isn’t free. Print or internet, publication expenses include labor, overhead, and logistics. Factual reporting requires a kaleidoscope of dedicated reporters. If you can, donate to “givebutter.com/sunherald”, or send check to COVID-19 Local News Fund, c/o Local Media Foundation, P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689-5015, remembering to put “The Sun Herald” in the memo line.

Don’t use God

My son works retail in Gulfport. He wears a mask to protect him. He stays stressed because some customers do not wear masks and do not exercise social distancing. When he asks them to do so, they reply, if God wants me to get the virus I will. We should not tempt God! He does not want anyone to get this virus. He expects people to be lawful and exercise the brain that he gave us.

Magic mask

To all of you complaining about others not wearing a mask, you say you wear yours to protect others from getting the virus. If wearing a mask is supposedly protecting others, does it not protect you? If it’s not giving you protection then how does it protect others? Tell me the magic behind that.

Families

All people visiting casinos, the workers have families who love them and don’t want them to get sick, so no matter how uncomfortable you feel wearing a mask, just do wear one!

Better term

“Social distancing“ was never good terminology. “Physical distancing“ much better describes what we are doing and what we are trying to accomplish. It’s a better term. Let’s use it and replace “social distancing.“ The practice could be around for a long time.

Community caring

I believe it should be mandatory that everyone wears a mask. Even if you do not have the virus, wearing a mask lets others know that you care. If everyone wears a mask, it could help slow the spread of the virus and also help open up the community. Wearing a mask will be only temporary if everyone would do their part in stopping the virus. So Gulf Coast, let’s all put on a mask for the well being and health of our community.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2020 at 2:18 AM with the headline "Sound Off for May 24, 2020."