The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

It is interesting to reflect on the past and consider how far we have come in establishing our rights and our privileges. However, in our slow movement forward, we have left something behind. We have forgotten to emphasise our corresponding duties – the duty we owe our fellowmen when it comes to respecting their privileges.

Yes, we are free to do as we wish, but our freedom ends when it trespasses on the rights and freedoms of our neighbour.

This fatal COVID-19 pandemic has so highlighted this point that it is shocking to discover how many persons fail to understand these principles as they go along their merry way spreading this killer disease by failing to follow simple advice that, if followed, might slow, if not eliminate COVID’s continued spread.

They do it because they feel that it is their right — no one can make them wear a face mask in public should they decide that they don’t want to. They do not understand that they have abused their privilege, which ends when it threatens another person’s rights – in this case the right to life.

One might wonder what can anyone expect when the President of what has always been considered the world’s most influential nation — the United States – has failed to understand that a leader leads by example. Although the world’s medics have recommended that without a vaccine, the only recommendation that they can now give is never to go without a mask, and to keep one’s distance from another person — because it could mean death to that person who has the same God-given right to his own life.

However, President Donald Trump, who has dismally failed as a leader has about 100 more days in Washington’s Oval office. It is my daily prayer that on that day the American people will have the good sense to usher him out.

They deserve better. If he were the leader that that great country deserved, we would not now be discussing this subject.

Praying for a better future.

HOPEFUL

Nassau,

July 27, 2029.