That Burns My Biscuits!

Published 2:16 pm Tuesday, July 21, 2020

By E.J. SMITH

Greetings Elizabethton.

I hope everyone is doing their part to stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading. There are so many of us whose immune systems are compromised by diseases that we already had before the virus that if we contact it now, we probably will not survive. Diseases that touch everyone, not only the old and infirm, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease and diabetes weaken our immune systems so that if we contact a virus such as COVID-19, we will not be able to fight it off. Think about it: your mother, your dad, siblings, and grandparents can die from this terrible thing. If you do not feel the need to wear a mask, social distance and stay at home, then I ask you this: Do you love your family? Do you care enough about them to attempt to help stop the spread of the virus that is taking lives daily? It is true that there are many more survivors than not, but we don’t know who will be next, do we? It is our duty to be part of the positive solution for the pandemic to stop killing us.

Are you wearing your mask? No? Why not? You don’t want the government telling you what to do? I could see that if they were attempting to rob you of your rights, but wake up people! They are trying to save as many lives as can be saved from this terrible thing that has happened in the world. Do you think they really want everyone in the country to look like bandits? No, they want to stop this and there are certain things we must do to work toward the end of it. Frankly, if I see you in a store without a mask, I will say something to you. Not because I don’t like you but because I don’t want to die because you were negligent in you duty to protect others.

My pet peeve right now is seeing children in stores without protection against the virus. What in the world are parents thinking? I will not take any of my grandchildren anywhere public during this time. If you must get them out of the house, there are many places to visit other than stores. Kids love nature, get them out in the woods, hiking and foraging. Play outside games with them. There are many crafts that are more fun if done outside; make a mess! We can be using this time of seclusion to make families stronger and more loving toward each other. Wear the mask. It doesn’t hurt you. It may keep you and yours alive.

With all of that said, if you still feel you are being violated by being asked to help stop the spread of COVID-19, then keep yourself at home. We do not want to see you or associate with you until this is all over, if you make it through it.

I am growing tired of bringing things to readers’ attention that they do or don’t do for the good of families and communities. I feel we all should be mature enough to do our part to alleviate  any situation that threatens us. From now on, at least for the next few months, we will welcome hearing about positive things people are doing to improve lives of their own families and others. Please share your good experiences by contacting us at burnsmybiscuit@gmail.com. Thank you.

You are in my prayers. Stay safe!

E.J.