Letter to the Editor: Reader agrees with Mares column regarding Duncan Christmas event

Dear Editor:

Dear Mr. Mares, I completely agree with your editorial.  I’m a Duncan resident and I’m not alone here in my opinion about this event. Just take a look at Facebook.   

At first, I thought what was Duncan Town thinking when they voted to do this event in the midst of a world pandemic?  God help us. Is my life worth anything to the town or am I expendable?  I was furious. Then, after calming down and taking a few deep breathes, it became clearer. People like me are worried about the physical health of the community. Having so many health problems puts me at a higher risk I know.    It’s hard enough trying to manage my health, food, bills, and now extra sanitary needs. Which makes the burden even harder. Loss can take its toll on a family and even one loss is one too many.   I know that pain.

I talked with a Duncan Town Councilperson and, in the end, we agreed to disagree. I’m against the town’s decision to have this event during a growing nationwide pandemic.  Any event that would raise these pandemic numbers is not acceptable, period!     

First, they are putting their trust in all people who will attend to do the right thing and follow safety guidelines and wear a mask when it is clear that not all people are going to follow the guidelines and wear a mask. That raises the spreading risk of  COVID-19 in our community even higher. Just this past Sunday, when you enter the Family Dollar there is a sign that requires customers to wear a mask. I had my mask on but there were eight shoppers who were not wearing a mask. There is clearly no enforcement of that policy on the front door. I’m sure there will be the same situation at the Christmas event as well. 

The surrounding areas have canceled events in Greenlee County. Those people will be coming to Duncan for our event and the risk will become even higher. I fear that Duncan will not have the manpower to manage this event. After talking to the councilperson, I realized the need is even greater than our physical need. We have spiritual needs and psychological needs as well that must be met. There are rising numbers of abuse, depression, and other mental health issues. Where do you find the balance?   

The councilperson made some good points in favor of the event. I also had a good reason that was against the event. I try very hard to follow safety guidelines and when I forget my mask I either rush back to my car for a mask or at times you would catch me with my blouse pulled up over my nose. It’s better than nothing at all, right? 

I have read the safety measures for this event and will not be in attendance. The guidelines are not acceptable enough for me. Who is sick, who isn’t wearing a mask, who isn’t following the guidelines, who is running a fever, and, last but not least, who has tested positive and still decided to come to the event?

COVID-19 shows no mercy. I explain it like this, it’s like a tornado skips this house and hits that one. When it hits what will it be like? F-1 minor damage, an F-5 death, who will get hit, and how hard it will hit them no one knows. We are about to find out the cost. I hear it only takes 10 days to see.   

As for me, hopefully, 30 days at home holding to strict guidelines I have set for my family will be enough. I just pray that God will protect me and bless me for my efforts to stay safe. I am hoping to be with my family and loved ones during Christmas and the New Year. I say again that there must be a balance that covers physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. Without risking to have even more raising numbers of COVID- related cases and deaths. I am staying home away from the public and taking care of myself to the best of my ability. I want to thank you for your editorial Mr. Mares.

Be safe and well, Mary J. Hanlin – Duncan