DEAR EDITOR:

First, let me say I do not believe COVID-19 is a “hoax.” The virus is real, dangerous to some and should be dealt with in a serious manner; however, I also believe COVID-19 has been used over the past year by the media, politicians and many others to further their political and personal agendas. This “pandemic” also has been used by our governor, and many other elected officials like him, to circumvent our legislative processes by imposing mandates / orders on citizens.

Enough is enough! Enough with lockdowns, mandatory mask orders, curfews, business closings and restrictions, school closings, travel restrictions and many other restrictions on our freedoms. We must also end what I believe to be one of the most cruel and damaging restrictions of all — the isolation of and from our family and friends. For over a year, we have had people alone, isolated and afraid in nursing homes, hospitals and even their own homes. Many of these people have died alone due to unnecessary restrictions and lockdowns imposed by our government. This must end!

Gov. Mike DeWine and other elected officials across the country should focus on coronavirus testing, vaccine distribution and offering guidelines and recommendations (not orders and mandates). Citizens must absolutely be permitted to make our own decisions on how best to live, work and provide for our families.

There is nothing in our Constitution that renders our guaranteed rights and freedoms suspended or irrelevant during difficult times. We certainly do not lose our constitutional rights because public officials utter the words “public health crisis” or “COVID-19.”

CHUCK HILLMAN

Boardman