Masks
Dear Editor: Instead of having a complicated, but rightfully so proposition, why not just have a mask mandate that is legally enforceable?
If that is not passed then all who die or have permanent damage to their minds and/or body from a COVID-19 infection are the responsibility of the Assembly members who vote against it.
The schools are closed and the town is shut down, and that could be somewhat resolved by a mask mandate.
This is not a political statement, it is a health issue.
For those who do not want to breathe their own air I will remind you that medical staff wear masks all the time and breathe their own air to protect you from infection. Workmen wear masks to protect themselves from dust and particles. Why do the stores in town sell masks? To protect you!
This has nothing to do with politics or your civil liberties. If you do not want to wear a mask, stay home. Wake up, Assembly members, and do the right thing: vote for a mask mandate. Better yet those of you who voted against last night’s proposal should sponsor the mask mandate to show your humanity.
Lorraine Inez Lil, Sitka
Spread Kindness
Dear Editor: We are two Alaskan youths from the communities of Sitka and Fairbanks.
We are fortunate to attend Mt. Edgecumbe High School, where our peers come from communities throughout the entire state. As students, we have noticed the constant politizing and consequent tension between groups and individuals. It’s something that we have both witnessed and experienced in our nation. It has also been especially pertinent among our peers. We, however, believe that there are always multiple sides to a story and different opinions on how and when things should be done, all of which are important.
In the Declaration of Independence, it states that every individual has inalienable rights, which include freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petitioning the government. The conflict created from varying interpretations of these rights has become prominent in society.
Politics is covered everywhere, whether it be social media, family dinners, or classrooms.
Students, such as ourselves, feel that being engaged and informed is crucial to our future, and that all opinions are valid and add diversity to communities. With all of these valid beliefs, we also must engage in mutual respect, regardless of the diversity of opinions and acknowledge that all people have the right to be passionate.
Many of us experienced discrimination because of our beliefs, whether it be politics, religion, or other forms of identity. Being confronted by these diverse and sometimes conflicting opinions can be tense, but we want to be able to communicate rather than argue. By communicating openly, we can understand others and accept their beliefs as something of their own and nothing against ourselves. This can create healthy boundaries by validating our own beliefs and others’, while also acknowledging the diversity and complexity of society.
One of my personal experiences was here at MEHS. A peer was trying to belittle me by making fun of my religious beliefs saying, “There is no God, He never did anything for you, me, or anyone else in this room.” Even if their intention was to hurt my feelings, they didn’t because it’s what they believe in and I have no problem with that. Therefore, their words did not change my religious beliefs. It was my choice to take their skepticism personally.
People from all around the world, not just Alaska and the United States, are human beings with opinions that matter and diversity of opinion is what makes each community special.
However, no one should tolerate prejudice, whether it be because of their race, political beliefs, religion, or appearance. So, we should lead by spreading kindness and accepting others. We, as a society, shouldn’t politicize everything and take every contradicting opinion as a personal offense. Change is a natural occurrence and it can lead to a better future through acceptance and collaboration. Let’s cultivate love and kindness, respect for others, diverse opinions and belief systems, and realize that healthy discussions can lead towards a more inclusive future.
Mia Anderson, Sitka,
and Tiahna Capelle, Fairbanks
