Our rights become wrongs when misused

To The Eagle:

Last week a contributor complained about his freedom being trampled under quarantine restrictions.

His outburst against continuing public health and safety measures during this pandemic has little to do with exercising constitutional rights and much to do with his being compelled to exercise sustained social restraint. It’s a tantrum. Trump, our executive baby, has them all the time. It’s all about him.

The reminder that patriots have died defending our freedom is noted. We honor their sacrifice best when we exercise our constituted rights responsibly. Our ‘rights’ to a life of liberty and happiness become ‘wrongs’ when pursued with callous disregard for the health and safety of our community. Nor is it up to such a careless, arrogant neighbor to decide who ‘deserves’ those rights.

I disagree with the assertion that the people of this county know how to protect themselves or that precautions are being practiced to the letter. Many folks in Cathlamet are not keeping their distance or wearing masks.

The CDC has widely publicized its science based recommendation that wearing a mask in public and social distancing are the best methods of protecting each other, and the most effective means of decreasing the infection rate.

This is not over. The risks will increase exponentially as tourists arrive from the metro areas. Mask up. Keep your distance. Avoid crowds. Shun those who consider it their constitutional right to endanger your health.

JB Bouchard

Puget Island