Dear Editor:
There are few vocalists on the entire planet who are able to instill national pride as much as Mark Donnelly, the operatic tenor at Rogers Centre, the home of the Vancouver Canucks. His rendition of O Canada is inspirational, breathtaking and as the axiom goes, “well worth the price of admission.”
Sadly Mr. Donnelly has struck a wrong note in the hearts of this writer, and without doubt, countless other Canadians. The case in point is his participation and endorsement of the “covidiot” movement, which openly defies public recommendations and governmental pleas for the wearing of masks in dealing with COVID-19.
A person of his stature cannot be allowed to ridicule this life-threatening danger! Unfortunately he is not alone, but shares the stage with the former bombastic and misguided president of our southern neighbour, who even seemed, unsuccessfully, to make this an election issue.
The wearing of a mask is not an issue of revoking anyone’s rights and freedom, nor is it symbolic of being a weak conformist rather than a free-spirited rebel. It is simply a showing of respect for one’s self and for others to prevent the spread of this horrible disease.
That being said, I do have a problem with those who choose to wear a mask promoting other non-related issues. A simple medical style mask of blue and white is absolutely the best symbol for confronting this disease. Too many masks are hideous, ridiculous or slogan-filled and really demean and distract from the whole purpose of the wearing of masks. Masks are not fashion statements or messages to promote some sort of contemporary movement. They are simply a layer of proven protection for the wearer and others nearby in the fight against COVID-19.
Let’s too be sensible in its designed use, indoors 100% compliance must be in place; outdoors requires simple common sense.
Sure, any mask is better than none. Let’s simply honour our frontline workers by wearing a mask designed for one purpose, and one purpose only: safety for all!
Mr. Donnelly, on this stage you are wrong, and a disappointment to us all.
Ron Johnson,
Mount Forest