In the last few weeks, I have been receiving requests and, in some cases, demands to issue a mandate to wear masks. I have also been told that if a mandate were issued a recall drive would be initiated. Although I am not worried about a recall effort since I’m not in this office for recognition or prestige, these two extremes in demand represent the dichotomy and societal issues on why a mask mandate would be ineffective in Weiser.
In some places where mask mandates and other safety measures are in place there is a distinct decrease in the rate of virus spread because people are complying. In other places where there are mandates, it appears there are even fewer masks being worn than before the mandate and the virus is out of control.
This indicates to me that unless people put their care for others above their self-interest in freedom, no law or mandate will be effective. In other words, this is a societal issue rather than a mandate or no-mandate issue. The masks are a matter of whether the individual is willing to take the responsibility to be considerate to themselves and to others, or whether their personal “freedom” is of greater importance than their fellow man.
Like my favorite president, Lincoln, I would rather appeal to people’s “better angels” than to try to force an unenforceable mandate. Individual personal responsibility is the ingredient necessary to curb the spread rate of this virus. Personal responsibility is what it takes to make a society work.
Besides, the fact of the matter is, Weiser does not have a big enough Police Dept. to enforce compliance with a mask mandate. So, to those of you who are wearing masks consistently, again, THANK YOU! To those who wear a mask sometimes, please make it a habit. To those who do not wear a mask in public, please take the time to think twice about whether your “freedom” is of greater importance than the health and welfare of others.
In City news this week, the Fire Department is encouraging everyone to take a look at your home fire alarms. The two items to check are the power of the batteries and the age of the alarm. If the alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced. If either the batteries or the alarm needs to be replaced, the Fire Department will install them after you make the purchase if you call the station at 208-414-1483.
Well, that’s it for this week. Hope you have a wonderful week!
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