Defining what it means to be a good citizen during COVID-19 pandemic | Letter to the editor

What does it mean to have citizenship?

Many people in the U.S. claim that as citizens it is their right to not have to practice social distancing or wear a mask. However, these same individuals forget that citizenship, although giving you rights, also give you responsibilities. It is our responsibility as citizens to protect the lives of others.

If we were being attacked by a foreign government we would stand together to fight to defend our fellow citizens. Why can’t we do the same against a deadly virus that has taken more lives than the Afghanistan war, 9/11 attacks, Iraq war, Viet Nam war and Korean War combined?!

Many of our leaders have ignored their responsibilities to mandate two2 simple things to protect us, as citizens. As a result, we are seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 in Florida and the Tampa Bay area. More deaths, more illness, disabilities and heart breaking scenarios are in our future unless we act as citizens and our elected officials act as leaders. Make no mistake, this is a deadly war!

It’s is time for us to take our responsibilities to help and protect our fellow citizens seriously! A mask and a little distancing are not much to ask from each other.

Thomas Casale

Palmetto