To mask or not to mask?

To the Editor:

Going to the grocery store, your chances of getting the coronavirus from a masked carrier is about 1/5 the chance of getting it from an unmasked carrier. That's what science says. Masks have become a big deal largely because Trump likes doing big deals.

Some folks think wearing a mask is a political statement and they're making it one by not wearing a mask. Gee, this is like grade school: the town kids against the farm kids. And like then, I won't buy in. I wear a mask because I just don't want to get COVID-19.

It's not Democrats against Republicans, though that's exactly what Trump would like — a conflict that distracts us while he avoids the responsibility of being president.

Trump has blown his claims of being a great manager.

“Only I can do it,” he likes to say. Watching Trump manage is like watching a three year old manage a dripping popsicle. And it's tough to lie about the coronavirus by saying, “It will just go away like magic,” when there it is the next day. Another 60,000 people infected and on its way to 100,000 a day.

Efforts to flatten the curve were wasted. Trump instinctively fueled conflict, demanding the country reopen. Americans celebrated their freedom from masks by following Trump's lead and ignoring science. Thousands have fallen ill. Now Trump has failed to prepare schools to reopen safely, risking America's children. He says “Open up or I'll punish you.”

The mask argument is Trump's believers fighting against pandemic science. Well established science has controlled past pandemics; so I don't bet against the science. I wear a mask, social distance, wash my hands, and stay home. I cooperate because pandemic scientists tell me to do it, not because I'm a Democrat.

Robert Carabas Sonora