There was an orange spot on the map on my computer screen. It was a bright orange spot, surrounded by a sea of green of several shades.
The orange signified the only state in the union that does not have some kind of mask or social distancing mandates as COVID-19 is sweeping the country.
Seems we in South Dakota love our personal freedom more than we cherish the lives of our family, friends and neighbors.
Hearing our governor explain why she hasn’t urged us to take responsibility for others and don masks to help stem the spread of the virus made me sick to my stomach.
Yes, we are adults and don’t need her to tell us what to do. But embracing the childish notion that excuses her from being a good leader is sickening.
Every other state, including those led by well-known conservative governors, have finally embraced science and asked their citizens to wear masks, limit the size their social gatherings and some have even limited occupation in bars and restaurants.
Not in South Dakota, despite the frightening statistics being recorded in our state or the pleading of health care workers and state health care officials.
More than 200 deaths of the 644 in the state have occurred in November and we are just halfway through the month.
A traveling nurse from Woonsocket made national news this week when she hit social media with very disturbing news. Some of the people she has cared for denied, up to the minute they died as a result of it, that COVID-19 was the reason for their illness. Some would have rather been diagnosed with lung cancer than believe there is such a thing as COVID-19.
Do we have to wait for Gov. Noem to finally admit she is wrong to let go of the ignorance that has led this country to the brink of a crisis? Are we not more intelligent than to continue to listen to everyone but the experts on how to stem the spread?
When is it time for local officials, local community leaders, to take a stand and set their own mandates?
Look at the statistics for Walworth and the surrounding counties. We are in crisis mode.
Ten residents have died in our county. Ten people who were parents, grandparents, siblings, friends neighbors and co-workers.
When are we going to grow up and face the consequences of our apathy?
Now is the time before there is no turning back.
A sad time for my home state. An excellent article, Katie Zerr!!