Your Opinion: What, me worry?

Mel Kallal

Jefferson City

Dear Editor:

Some of us are old enough to remember that slogan, most popular in Mad Magazine in the '50s and '60s. My father once saw my copy and was seriously upset! He said it was a waste of my hard-earned money (35 cents). Maybe I used it as an excuse to apply satire to much of life.

If there no reason to worry why are we stocking up on toilet paper, again? We should be stocking up on cloth masks. Last time I checked; toilet paper doesn't launder well.

Computers, the internet, cellphones and Facebook have pushed aside much of traditional news. Fake news: COVID-19 will disappear as soon as vaccines are discovered.

We miss the chance to visit relatives and friends. Sitting down with my wife or friends at our ages is only a memory.

Do staff shortages at the Cole County Courthouse reflect weak mask discipline and safe distancing? (Maybe children and grandkids bring COVID home from school and forget that we older folks are more susceptible.) Buy and wear masks. Use proper distancing.

Some long term COVID weapons: We can be of immense support for our favorite restaurants and local businesses. Buy gift cards, lots of them! These are great Christmas presents, do not expire and you will help businesses with COVID-proof cash this winter to survive the pandemic. (When the COVID War is over, know that you helped businesses survive.) If you have friends and neighbors who are "shut in" give them gift cards from their favorite food store. Tired of cooking? Order something different, from Schwan's. They take plastic and have gift cards. Spread the Mid-Mo Cheer! Enjoy the low fuel prices. Pick up supplies for neighbors. How many of your friends and families sew or quilt? If they make masks, thank them and bring fabric.

Do not give the kids new phones for Christmas. If they read (or should be reading) give a subscription to a newspaper or magazines.

At a Learning In Retirement event last year, a business rep suggested the best hires read and follow directions. (He did not mention cellphones.) Are you the "weak link" in your group who sometimes doesn't carry and use a mask?

U.S. deaths: WWII, 291,000; Korea, 34,000; Vietnam, 47,000; COVID 250,000.

Make the effort. Do the right thing.