To the editor:

Have we had enough yet? The Journal Sept. 1 Opinion headline says “Senate Republicans, Walz must work together to end state of emergency.”

Really? NOW The Journal thinks they should work together? There are no “normals” anymore. Remember when legislative sessions ended on time?

Remember when a “Special Session” was special? Now we have the usual meaningless monthly special session. Governor Walz threw all sense of decorum out the window when he unilaterally declared his “Emergency Powers” WHILE THE LEGISLATURE WAS IN SESSION. The time to work together was during the regular legislative session. Walz wasn’t interested in working together with Republicans then, is it any wonder Republicans aren’t willing to work with him now? Walz and his Attorney General Keith Ellison are running roughshod over the people of the State of Minnesota. They threaten businesses, private citizens, and churches with fines, closures, and prison if they don’t fall into line. Socialist type “Power” in the hands of a self appointed ruler. BLM and ANTIFA loot, intimidate, and burn with impunity. And the Democratic Party and our state leaders either look the other way, or cheer them on.

The Journal supports the “mask mandate”. I do not. I suggest citizens research Minnesota State Statute 609.735. The mask as it is, is largely symbolic. The surgical masks I see everywhere are intended to be used in surgical situations to prevent BACTERIAL contamination. Pretending we can stop COVID-19 transmission with surgical masks isn’t realistic since virus particles are much smaller than bacterial particles (similar to constructing a chain link fence in your back yard to stop mosquitos). The cloth masks of various types are useless unless they have 2 layers of quilters quality cotton (100% tightly woven) and contain non-woven sew-in interfacing and polypropylene. Don’t even mention the winter like scarves, ski masks, and bandanas seen everywhere. Even if good quality N-95 type masks could be found and worn properly (tight fitted, and no touching the mask), they need to be disposed of or washed after each use. After 6 months of this nonsense, we know how to treat COVID-19.

Actually, President Trump knew Hydroxychloroquine (with Zinc) worked a long time ago, but the Mainstream Media tried to silence him. Let’s throw the mask AND the mask mandate out.

It’s too bad Walz isn’t on the ballot in 2020 so we could throw him out too. 2022 can’t come soon enough.

Paul Platz

Lafayette