TO THE EDITOR:

To those who shame those who choose not to wear masks, I ask in return - do you also shame people in handicapped spots at local retailers that aren't in wheelchairs because only that is "truly" a disability to you?  How about Vets with PTSD that you will never be able to see their disability but their condition is officially protected by HIPAA and is none of your business in the first place?  While a selectively enforced Executive Order is one thing, the Americans with Disabilities Act is the LAW of the land and it's Federal.  You can't deny a service to someone based upon their disability and more importantly, you can't ask someone what disability they have.  You as a perpetually offended person who can't help but not stay home can't ask, an overzealous store owner can't ask, a MN Dept of Health enforcer can't ask and a Governor can't ask. The latter two can't ignore this little hindrance and in fact, cower when you remind them of it. Federal law trumps non-legislated, single branch Executive Order every single time. 

For those that can't help but go Christmas shopping in person, stop at the gas station and run in for a slice of pizza, go to store and pick up the latest video game, yard of yarn or Super Bowl Sunday appetizers that you just "had" to have - remember that all of that can be delivered or picked up curbside.  Every time you leave your house, with or without a mask, you are in danger of dying from something. If you are that afraid, or just that judgmental - set an example yourself by staying home until 2022 until the virus "ends", order curbside and takeout and leave the commentary and  looks to yourself.  It's best to let sleeping dogs lie.  

Charlie Schmidt

Orrock, MN