I have not been outside very much during this pandemic. I am at somewhat elevated risk of complications in the event that I contract COVID-19 – and (rather than spend the pandemic in complete isolation from anyone) I have moved back in with my parents who are, arguably, at even greater risk.
Furthermore, in addition to what everyone goes through during the pandemic, I have to deal with autism. This can make it terrifying when, on the spur of a moment, I have to make a decision which of two possible risks to take, or whether or not a given risk is too great.
Nonetheless, less than a week ago, I went out for a walk for the first time since very early during the pandemic. While I was hoping that this would be a pleasant experience to have for a chance – it was the opposite, a very unpleasant experience.
Why was this experience, that should have been wonderful, so torturous? Because way too many people are simply inconsiderate to their fellow human-beings – from all those people who refused to wear masks at all, even when coming close to me – to that jerk-face who insisted on wearing hers below-the-nose – to even that irresponsible dog-owner who would not do the basic duty of cleaning up the droppings of their own dog.
I fully respect everyone’s constitutional rights – but there is an old saying: “Your freedom ends where my nose begins.” If you are refusing to wear a mask, and/or refusing to wear one properly – you are not using your own rights, but are violating the rights of others.
And no, the pandemic does not exempt you of the obligation to clean up your own dog’s droppings. If you think that it is too scary to pick up your own dog’s droppings during a pandemic when it was your decision to have a dog – then think for a second about someone who might accidentally step in the dog-droppings that you neglected to pick up, someone who did not make that choice for you, in irresponsible owner, to have the dog.
Wear the bloody mask! And clean up after your own dog!
