Manatee County commissioners’ fear of mask ‘mandate’ is putting the public at risk | Letter to the editor

I am appalled that people in positions of authority are unwilling to do what is right to protect the citizens of this country during the pandemic.

The Manatee County Commission is afraid to issue mandates, the governor wants to blame increased case numbers on minorities and faulty data and the president thinks cases will go down if we stop so much testing. It just boggles the mind that people are screaming about their civil rights being violated because they are being told to wear masks in public.

Mandating guidelines during a global pandemic is the only thing that will help end this scourge. I’m sorry Commissioner Benac but “personal responsibility” has not worked to this point and those who believe the pandemic is a hoax, or who think there is no longer a threat because things are open will NEVER care enough about their fellow citizens to wear a mask unless it is a law or civil mandate.

Protection of innocent citizens is why we have speed limits and drunk driving laws. If others don’t care enough to do the right thing, then stand up and take responsibility to protect the rest of us, however it has to be done. I watch in utter amazement and disgust the lack of concern for all because of the rantings of a few. No decision is going to be applauded by everyone but if that’s what it takes to protect all our citizens then it is the “personal responsibility” of every commissioner, governor and president to stand up and do the right thing.

Quit worrying about your poll numbers or possibility of reelection. If we don’t get this pandemic under control no one will be around to vote for you anyway.

Paula Clark

Bradenton

This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 2:09 PM.