Masks and traffic signals have a lot in common. All drivers must pay attention to red and green lights in order to traverse intersections safely. Traffic lights are among the rules that are made for the common good.

There are utility rules, water purity rules, housing rules — all for our protection. Wearing masks during the pandemic is a public health directive. Studies show that wearing masks and keeping social distance helps us limit the spread of the virus.

Some say that COVID doesn’t exist, so we don’t need masks. I challenge them to convince an ER nurse or doctor, or a child who has lost a parent, that there is no COVID danger. Over half a million Americans have died in this pandemic.

Mask bullies are displaying their ignorance of the Constitution and of science. We need to wear a mask for the same reason we need to stop at a red light. It protects us and others who want to live and want to end this pandemic.

Ray Mitchell, South Paris

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