Letter to the editor: We're all responsible for ourselves

We’ve become a society when something bad happens, it’s somebody else’s fault. Most of the time there is something the victim could have done to prevent it.

At some point, those of us at high risk of covid-19 infection need to be responsible for ourselves. The rest of society shouldn’t have to stop because I’m 67 and a grandparent. If I chose to not wear a mask when in public, it’s my fault I got sick. And if I give the virus to other high-risk individuals because they didn’t wash their hands, it’s their fault.

People shouldn’t be forced into poverty because we might be idiots. Having lived in a household as a child that was under constant financial pressure of having our home foreclosed upon, car repossessed, wondering if there’ll be food next week, etc. there is a lifelong impact. I would never wish that on any family, especially millions of powerless children.

It’s time to let the economy open back up. Completely. Children are now victims of well-intended but misguided policy. My guess is that those making decisions about this have never in their lives experienced imminent household financial collapse. Let those of us at high risk be responsible for ourselves. Our health system in Western Pennsylvania is robust.

Andy Haas

Penn Township, Butler County