I am saddened to hear Americans call covid-19 a hoax. I believe these are patriotic Americans. But what’s patriotic about dismissing covid-19, when it has killed more than twice as many Americans as died in the Vietnam War? What’s patriotic about not social distancing to limit its spread and allow a safer return to work and school? What’s patriotic about not wearing a mask to protect other Americans?

And I am angry to see elected officials who stoke this sentiment. State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, is just one example. On a recent call where his supporters were claiming covid-19 a hoax, he didn’t contradict them. That’s politics at its worst. It’s being complicit, and it is not the leadership we deserve.

Relaxing restrictions allowed covid-19 to rebound, threatening economic return. It has created an impossible situation for schools, anxious to return to in-person teaching but also charged with protecting the health of children, teachers and staff.

Over 168,000 Americans have died from covid-19. Set aside one hour for each family, to express condolences and console them for their loss. Ten hours a day, 365 days a year would take 44 years to reach every family.

If you believe covid-19 is a hoax, please talk to grieving families. Talk to the meat packers. Talk to the nursing home residents. And be sure to wear a mask while you’re doing it. It’s the patriotic thing to do.

Richard Hughes

O’Hara

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