John Lyons, in a letter, suggests that those who don’t toe the COVID-19 line identify themselves and “the hospital will then have the right to deny treatment for the virus” (“

However, our dear leader, President Trump, implores us that “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” OK, Trump never said that or even suggested anything like that. But it’s great advice, particularly in times that try men’s souls.

Imagine an infected citizen roams our community, refuses to wear a mask, as a consequence infects hundreds of innocents and then COVID-19 sends that person to the hospital. It seems justified, and eminently reasonable, to deny that person the benefits of the medical science they deliberately rejected. But, we will be a stronger community, with a more hopeful, robust and desirable future, if we kill the fat calf of medical treatment for the prodigal patient. We’re all just humans, muddling through as best we can.

What makes America great is our willingness to accept (some) actions of others even if they seem misguided, or even abhorrent. “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it” (Thomas Paine).

Robert FerrellDurango