Letters to the editor: COVID-19, masks, American flag and white privilege

COVID-19

People need to realize that COVID-19 is dangerous. My son is currently in the hospital with this devastating virus. Even though he used a mask, wore gloves and washed his hands constantly, he got it. Why him? Is it because he works in a bar? Probably. But I believe those people who went out knowing they were sick and created a cluster in this industry should be held accountable. You’ve endangered several people who have families at home, families who are now worried about their loved ones.

He is a father with four sons at home and a wife who needs him. His boys are having a hard time understanding how this could happen to their dad. His 4-year-old told me his daddy has coronavirus. What 4-year-old should know that word? Don’t assume that people who work in this industry don’t have loved ones who will worry if they get sick.

If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t endanger others just because you want to party. You need to understand how your actions could affect others.

Debby Durrant, Boise

Masks

After reading that in response to the recent increase in CoViD19 cases, bars that are reopening in Boise will now require customers to wear masks, I have to ask a ridiculous question. When served a liquid beverage by a mask-wearing server, how do I, as a mask-wearing consumer, actually take a sip of my martini? Will there be flexible tubing to snake through the gap in the side of my mask into my lips provided, or shall I bring my own? I just don’t see how this is going to work. As a member of the CoViD high-risk group I continue to isolate and wear a mask when I do go into a public place but I will not be visiting the social gathering places till it feels safer.

Anita Flora, Boise

American flag

I want my flag back. I am so saddened by hate groups “stealing” our American flag (white men mocking George Floyd’s death 06/10/20 video). Our great American flag is being used as a backdrop for hate groups. Stop it! Get your own flag. You do not represent the values symbolized in our flag. If you accept liberty (The Bill of Rights) then you must also accept equality, hard work (the American Dream) and diversity (we are all immigrants)! Say the Pledge of Allegiance. Sing our national anthem. We are Americans! We are united, with liberty and justice for all. Most importantly stop using our flag to spread your hate.

Judy Lane, Boise

White privilege

Yesterday, as I was riding my bike to get some exercise and fresh air, I decided to take a route through a very nice subdivision. I came upon a house with a “for sale” sign in front. As we have recently considered moving to a somewhat larger house, I stopped. As I took my phone from my pocket and took a photo of the sign and another of the house, a couple walked by. They looked my way, briefly, and nodded hello. They continued walking. As I mounted my bike and stowed my phone, another person pedaled by on a bicycle, hardly noticing me, if at all.

As I rode away, it occurred to me that I just experienced “white privilege.” I wondered, if I had been a person of color, African American, Latino, etc., would someone have asked me, “What are you doing?” or worse, would someone have called the police?

I sometimes wear a hoodie while cycling, if it is cool out and I don’t feel like putting my helmet on. Would that have been a “yellow flag,” had I also been a person of color?

William Brudenell, Boise