Let’s not abandon freedom

To the Editor;

Ronald Sweet’s recent letter to the editor questioned why the U.S. death rate could rise to 100,000, blaming this tragedy on government “ineptitude, incompetence, and inaction.” Like Mr. Sweet, I pray we can do better than these numbers, but I disagree with his analysis. I urge him to remember that information from the Chinese government, a regime which denies the reality of Tiananmen Square, is unreliable.

Responding to this epidemic, the Chinese government conducted mandatory checks, forcibly separating children from their parents to quarantine them. Government drones hovered outside homes to monitor movement. Citizens posing a risk were ordered to stay indoors. Masks were not optional, but were mandated.

Sweet’s disapproval of our government’s response indicates an awareness of the freedoms he is afforded in this great country. These freedoms come at a cost. Increased government surveillance and mandated isolation tactics employed by the Chinese government would erode the freedoms established by the Bill of Rights. These liberties are the cornerstone of this great nation, and they should not be sacrificed.

Detesting this epidemic and praying for relief do not require abandoning our principles of freedom.

John Drews

Milo