To the editor:

I take COVID and the mask situation seriously and wear a mask where it is required. I believe this virus can be more dangerous to some people with underlining conditions. But the people who are disseminating the information to us have a long track record of lying to and showing dismissive contempt for American citizens as a whole and want to instill fear and anxiety in people so they can lead them like sheep and control an election and our daily life.

At one point, the disease was supposed to have a 5% death rate or 2 million in the U.S. The death rate has now been reduced to less than 1/3 of 1% worldwide. The truth is I’m not opposed to masks or social distancing at all. Much like carrying a firearm or wearing a helmet, I don’t and won’t shame anyone for deciding what to do or not do.

However, when considering the trustworthiness of information coming from our politicians and the media I’ve been unable to reconcile the fact that 20,000 people protesting in the streets is met with little to no concern, but a bar, restaurant, church or hair salon with 10 people in it could be disastrous.

The idea that a Trump rally of 12,000 people is a significant risk but a group of 20,000 protesters tearing down statues and looting isn’t, leaves me perplexed.

Also, how could you possibly take anyone seriously who mandates that free citizens stay at home and wear masks in public but also calls for the acceptance of millions of immigrants entering our society illegally with no record of immunizations against more common and deadly diseases and go about doing what they tell people what not to do, (not wearing masks, attending large funerals, going to hair salons) .

The truth is that our political “leaders,” just like with firearms, drugs, our national debt or sex trafficking, have absolutely no idea what they’re talking about and no plan outside of what’s handed to them 6 seconds before they reach the podium.

So I choose to protect myself as I see fit. If anyone doesn’t like it, I’m OK with that. Just think of it as a “protest.” That seems to be OK with many people!

Louis Walker

Cape Coral