Follow scientists, not political hacks

To the Editor:

Driving southbound on Highway 49 onto North Washington Street, for weeks, there was a billboard that read, “You are 30 times more likely to die from COVID if you are not vaccinated.”

What that sign did not tell you: Within weeks, over 1 million Americans will be dead from COVID-19 and its variants.

“U.S. COVID-19 fatalities could have stayed under 300,000, versus a death toll of 540,000, (had we) adopted widespread mask, social distancing, and testing protocols while awaiting a vaccine.” (Reuters, March 25, 2021)

In Tuolumne County roughly nine out of 10 of the 181 COVID deaths (as of April 22) were unvaccinated. That is 162 of our neighbors' lives that probably were just wasted.

Masks have saved tens of thousands of lives. However, the numbers now tell us it is OK to relax most of the masking requirements, but not all.

We must listen and follow the science and advice of medical experts — not some political hack, such as the “unqualified” poser in a black robe. (Airline ventilation is good — the unmasked person sitting 18 inches from you is the problem.)

And let us never forget the original sin, Trump's declaration on Feb. 26, 2020: “It is 15 cases today, it will be zero in two weeks.” Bottom line: We need to work together to save lives. Remember when you vote, “If we do not learn from our mistakes, we will be doomed to repeat them.”

Two who have listened, learned, and led who are deserving of our votes once again are Cathy Parker for superintendent of schools and Ryan Campbell for District 2 county supervisor.

Domenic Torchia

Columbia