Give thought to most important vote ever

Many have already voted. However, some are still waiting and I hope they’ll give some thought to what is probably the most important vote they’ll ever cast.

The virus is surging. We have the second-highest death rate per person in the United States. Hospital bed spaces are tight. Do you think we should have a requirement that people should wear a mask? The governor has asked, but there is no requirement. Otherwise, we would have one. If we did and science is correct, some of those dead people who happen to be moms, dads, grandpas and grandmas would still be around.

Who’s behind this lack of effort? For starters, 18 Republicans filed a lawsuit because of the restrictions we now have. It settled in the state’s favor. They have promised to file it again.

Because Hispanics and Marshallese were dying at a much higher rate in our area, a federal grant of $7 million was secured to help them. It required approval from a group of legislators. On the first round nine Democrats voted for it. Twelve Republicans and one Democrat voted against the bill. They were called back and, to their credit, enough, though not all, of the 13 voted for it and it passed.

When people go vote, they will be voting for or against some of those legislators who seem to think wearing masks is some kind of constitutional rights issue. Why don’t you take the time to ask them what they believe and to check and see how they voted. No beating around the bush. Do you think people should be required to wear a mask, safe distance, etc.? No certain conditions — a yes or no. What do they propose to do? A record check will give you an answer. Never mind the political party. We are talking about a doctor, a teacher, a dad, a mom who will never come home.

Ask yourself the most important question of all: Do your rights give you the right to possibly kill or seriously impair the life of another person? Does it give you the right to put them in a position so they cannot support their families, can never get out of debt and so many other things. No matter what you believe, are you willing to wear a mask, social distance, etc. just in case it might help?

Give that a lot of thought and go vote!

BONNIE BARTON COOK

Fayetteville