How many more must die before a mandate?

Monday’s paper listed 508 covid-19 cases announced on Sunday. And Gov. Asa Hutchinson knows (as does Dr. Nate Smith) they’ll be reporting seven more deaths from this collection of cases down the line. Why? Because they’re not doing their jobs.

Hutchinson wants to be in the “I’m really a good guy, well-liked governor” column. Just like Texas, Florida and Arizona governors were. Were! Does he want to be in their column today?

Hutchinson was elected to lead. And Dr. Smith was appointed to guard our health. What kind of grades do these gentlemen think they deserve? Did the governor call each of the 265 families who had a loved one die on his watch as of June 28? In my Marine Corps, a platoon leader who had a Marine die under his command called the family. Is that what leadership is all about?

Gov. Hutchinson keeps refusing to issue a “wear a mask” order for people going into any public establishment, saying we’re all Arkansas good folks, we’ll do the right thing. Well, does he believe 100 percent of his constituents are trying to do the right thing? Seventy-five percent? Sixty percent? Have you been to Walmart lately? Lowe’s or Allen’s Food Market? A hardware store? I have, and I don’t believe 50 percent are being “Arkansas good folks.”

Governor, do your job and issue an order — you must wear a mask entering a public establishment. And hold the establishment accountable. Develop a penalty. Because if we do not, every day the governor is going to report more deaths than necessary. If Hutchinson doesn’t have the courage to issue that order, have the decency to call the families of the dying. There will be more, on Hutchinson’s and Dr. Smith’s watch. DON FAYLES

Bella Vista