So the Mayor of Alpena, Matt Waligora, is quoted in an article in the June 27 edition of The Alpena News, saying, “It’s not so much that I don’t believe (wearing masks) works, because I’m not a scientist or a doctor.” And yet, myriad doctors and scientists and, now, even the vice president of the United States (that emptiest of suits), are urging wearing of masks in public places, to prevent further worsening of the current pandemic.

It’s not a question of belief, but of fact. Wearing a mask can help prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus to a significant extent. (As an aside, saying one does or does not “believe” in science may be the height of idiocy. Science, based on observable, reproduceable facts, does not change whether one “believes” in it or not. Nor does it care whether you “believe” it or not.)

As for Mr. Waligora, one wonders whether he takes a similar view of an adverse diagnosis from his medical specialist. “It’s not so much that I don’t believe I’m suffering from atrial fibrillation, because I’m not a scientist or a doctor.” (One waits for the day when science denialists receive their comeuppance.)

But returning to the issue of masks, go ahead and continue to “believe” something you heard on Fox News or on some fringe radio program. Point out that President Donald Trump, that scientific savant, refuses to wear a mask and he has resumed his onanistic rallies (albeit requiring attendees to sign pledges not to sue) and he must know something, because why would he deliberately subject people aching to vote for him to the possibility of a serious viral infection?

Just stay away from me.

CLYDE SHUMAN,

Ossineke