In the name of freedom

Regarding “In win for Gov. Abbott, Texas Supreme Court blocks local mask mandates,” (Aug. 15): Last week I ventured out “into the world” for a bone density test that I had postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus. I made a few stops on my way home: H-E-B and, for a bit of old-time shopping delight, Nordstrom Rack. There I found a pair of pink faux-fur slippers — frivolous yet inexpensive. As the COVID positivity rate in Houston was on a sharp rise, I had an inkling this would be my last trip out into public for awhile, so I dubbed the new slippers my “COVID stay-at-home” slippers.

The slippers signify my acceptance that the virus and its delta variant are winning. I attribute this backward slide to the people — U.S. citizens and government officials — who have decided not to become part of the solution: vaccines, masks and social distancing. In the name of freedom, you have stripped me of mine and put all of us in harm’s way.

Am I angry? You betcha. Am I fearful? You betcha.

Kyle W. Fake, Houston

Living in Texas these days is surreal. Gov. Abbott is fixated on numerous laws to: suppress voting; exercise control over women’s bodies and their health care; allow carrying guns with no training for these deadly weapons; and deny protection for children to be able to return to public schools. Abbott seems to be pro-life, but after a Texas child is born, Abbott is missing in action. Children may be denied health care (no Medicaid expansion), denied necessary special education services (only funds for a limited number), and now they might be subjected to the coronavirus if they desire to attend a public school ( may not need to wear masks).

It seems the only thing that enjoys freedom in Texas these days is COVID and its variants. The virus is free to infect the children, inflict future adverse health conditions on them, or kill them.

Dori Wind, Sugar Land

I wonder what effect there would be in people’s perceptions if we were to see videos and read interviews with folks in COVID wards who refused to be vaccinated and are proud to be hospitalized (and perhaps dying) in the name of “freedom.” The philosopher Søren Kierkegaard said: “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.”

Bruce McAllister, Missouri City