To the editor:

I passed by a sign in Barrington that read” Unmask Our Children”.

How dramatic.

Would the kids think that masks were some form of torture? Would they be frightened? 

I understand the politics of the issue (now involving our kids?) and thought that maybe we could get politics out of the way by using this time as an opportunity to teach our children an important lesson in civics… remember civics- the study and practice of the rights and duties of citizenship?

What if we empower our kids to be patriots- to wear masks because we need their help in controlling the deadliest pandemic in all our lifetimes? To praise their participation in this national team effort to protect them, their families, their teachers, their classmates, and their community- because it is the only tool we have, and they are an important part of our national effort to win. To get our country back to normal.

Let’s tell them: “we need your help, and we are proud of you for doing your part for your school, your community and your country. You are a patriot! 

Thank you.” Let’s make them heroes. 

And if they express any doubts or fears we can assure them that- while there are 620,000 deaths from COVID- 19- there are 0 deaths from masks.

Chris Clyne

Barrington