Let’s have civil discussions

The pandemic has created a litany of issues that we as a society must deal with. First is the physical and emotional toll it has taken on those who have either contracted COVID-19, died from COVID-19 or have had a family member or friend die of COVID-19. Not only are our ICUs unable to support the number of cases requiring respiratory assistance, our doctors and nurses are at the brink of exhaustion trying to save people who don’t have to be critically ill. As a nurse who has worked in health care for 43 years, my heart goes out to my colleagues. I have become increasingly frustrated with people who don’t believe in the reality of the virus and the science of the vaccine, and feel they must pontificate their opinions loudly and rudely. Today I had to listen to a woman in a doctor’s waiting room argue with the receptionist about having to wear a mask. Last week it was a woman in line at a restaurant. The facts and science speak for themselves, but if you and I are going to have a conversation about it, I will do so in a calm and respectful manner. I expect the same from you.

Joanne St.Martin,

Columbia

The writer is a registered nurse.