Letters: Message for graduates, Defend the Tri, face masks and more | June 11

Defend the Tri a recipe for disaster

I found the article on the armed members of Defend the Tri group deeply disturbing. Civilians acting as a group bearing semiautomatic weapons have no business keeping the peace and preventing crime. It is a recipe for a disaster that will forever stain the Tri Cities.

A much saner idea is for this group to form a neighborhood watch. If a crime is in progress they can alert the police and document the scene until the police arrive. Otherwise, please go home. If you want to be in the military, then enlist. If you want to be a police officer, then apply. The police, and if necessary, the National Guard, will keep the peace and keep the community safe.

Letter ignored an aspect of masks

In a recent letter regarding mask wearing, the writer had many thoughts which resulted in judging those not wearing a mask. He forgot the people who have had the virus and don’t need to wear a mask anymore. We have been tested and cannot get or give the virus.

A message for Class of 2020

Thinking of my granddaughter graduating, I wrote a message to her. I want to share it with other graduates so they can reflect on this milestone in their lives.

As you transition to the next phase of your life, you will be the generation that restores America’s greatness. Sorry you have to clean up the mess that is here — the racism, misogyny and bigotry.

I want you to know that you are part of the generation that will lead all of us to a better future.

Know that despite your gender, race and ethnicity, you will have opportunities and choices in life. Be sure to choose wisely.

Know that in this era of social networking you must be a critical thinker. Form your own opinion based not what others think, but on your research and your thinking.

Know that there are virtues to live by-truthfulness, honesty, courage, kindness.

You are our hope for the future!

We are proud of you!

Congratulations!

Scofflaws keep us stuck on Phase 1

When we go out, we wear our masks. We practice social distancing whenever possible. We see many persons without masks almost everywhere we go. We learn of local groups of people also being close together.

All these persons’ failure to wear masks and not to practice social distancing is mostly why our area remains in Reopening Phase 1. Anyone may feel fine and be contagious. We want to feel safe when we go out. We want businesses allowed to be open when we do go out.

We see and hear people say, “We demand our freedom!” Yes, we want freedom too. We also care about so many persons being unemployed. But all those who don’t follow the necessary rules are ignoring that with freedom comes responsibility. When everyone doesn’t act responsibly, new COVID-19 cases numbers remain higher than need be.

This coronavirus is dangerous to all of us. This is a public health issue and should not be politicized. So please care about everyone who is acting responsibly and not only about yourselves. Help us all reach Phase 2 and beyond sooner. Thank you.

This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Letters: Message for graduates, Defend the Tri, face masks and more | June 11."