Masks aren’t just worn by Democrats

I had been hearing from people that a new “thing” is going around in other states accusing people who wear mask as being Democrats. In North Dakota that issue was addressed by state officials to the public to stop it. Frankly, I didn’t believe it until it happened to me.

I am a chemo patient. It is going well. I wear a mask, social distance, sanitize and try to do all the things I need to do to protect myself. I shop but not a lot. Mainly grocery stores which I have narrowed down to one, Safeway, because it is the safest and most protected then the others. However, I was in another grocery store I was shopping but not feeling well. I was anxious. I know my upper face and eyes can look cross or angry when I am not feeling well and I am winded.

I passed a man in his late sixties or early seventies with a Vietnam Vet hat on. He said to me ,”What is your problem? I responded by a shrug. He said, “Why did I wear the mask? I told him I was a chemo patient. He then said. No your not your a Democrat.’ I was stunned but managed to get out of there. The whole encounter was probably 15 seconds.

I can’t believe this happened here. I can’t believe we have come to this.

I have discussed this with others and the question that is stated is,”What would cause someone to be so awful? “ My answer is he is mentally ill. He needs mental health services . However, his face is seared in my memory. There will be another time I will encounter him and the next time … well, it will be different.

M.J. KLEIBER

Sandpoint