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I want to reply to Rane Paisley about her apparent lack of concern for the health of others in her community. I was angry last week and am still angry. I take her statements as I believe they were intended, loving or not, as a warning to avoid her and others who choose to disregard the best advice of local health professionals trying to slow the spread of COVID 19.

As we decide where my wife and I can begin to go out again, it is clear to me the town of LaConner, our former home, is not that place. As a described local entrepreneur, I have to assume Ms. Paisley may represent LaConner business in part. In choosing to not social distance or use basic PPE as a courtesy to others, it is easy to vote with our feet and to avoid downtown at the present time.

As some, and there are many, decide that deaths from COVID, especially deaths of senior citizens, are becoming acceptable and ordinary, a choice is being made that should not stand.

We are seniors, Ms. Paisley, and we have personally been through the COVID illness mill. I also know of many who have not been touched at all and they sometimes say “what virus? I don’t know anyone who died!” People did die and will yet.

We will have the choice to begin to support business again after staying home but we cannot, in this crazy time, feel comfortable with the idea of unidentifiable LaConner individual and businesses caring more for their “personal freedom” than the health of others and recommending that to the community. One person can easily be a super spreader, good diet and robust health notwithstanding. It is better to avoid LaConner for now. Scared? Damn right I am scared! I am not stupid either. You are dead a long time.

As Tennessee Ernie Ford sang “If you see me comin, better step aside – a lot of men didn’t and a lot of men died!

We will step aside. A lot of good folks died.

Thank you

Edward Markus