What’s really important

Why do protesters think they have the right to take away our constitutional right to live? Idaho state Rep. Heather Scott and Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler apparently think so.

Our right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness“ comes from the Declaration of Independence, and “life” comes first. So if a few more weeks of enforcing Gov. Brad Little’s “stay at home” order will save from the virus even a few lives of those who are older and more vulnerable in our society then it’s well worth the sacrifice.

When in doubt, trust the doctors and scientists and not the science- deniers. Don’t trust our president, who has suggested using unproven drugs and perhaps exploring injecting disinfectants into our bodies.

According to polls, a solid majority of Americans are more worried about reopening the economy too soon and worsening the pandemic than opening it too slowly and worsening the economy. Officials can change or remove any orders they want, but if we are afraid to walk through the doors of restaurants, bars, offices or barber shops our economy still suffers.

We know that businesses have been hurt and jobs have been lost, but to reopen our economy we need to know from the experts if enough testing has been done and that we are on the downward curve of this pandemic. Life is more important.

James W. Ramsey

Sandpoint