Too much grandstanding

New Mexico has dealt with this virus epidemic in an admirable way. This is largely due to our governor. When passing through Española, she observed that few were wearing masks. Our mayor complained about that, and she graciously apologized. Shortly after, people came from all over the state for a parade and rally to support President Donald Trump, possibly carrying the virus with them. Most were maskless. I’m not a supporter of Trump but believe it is their right to express their feelings publicly.

However, I don’t feel it is their right to endanger my health or that of others in my community. Public health experts agree that mask-wearing is the most effective way to stop spread of the virus, perhaps more so than a vaccine. Even Trump knew from the beginning that the main way of transmission was through breathing, not that he seems to care. Our mayor attended this event and was photographed maskless. This leads one to believe he cares more for political grandstanding than the health of Rio Arriba County citizens. We all want to open up again; this is hindering it.

Lindsey Callicoatt Española