Melanie Grasso: Mask craze can be classified as obsessive compulsive disorder

To The Daily Sun,

I need to get something. Usually I would probably swing by Walmart. I won't be going.

Let's shop at places that value us as customers — here we are not treated like enemy No. 1 with corrals, security, and yellow tape, as if a police scene, upon stepping foot through the door. Where a mask is not required — where it is optional, and we have that choice to make. We are a free people in a free society. We make our own choices every day, decide what is right for us. Let's shop when we can local, our local businesses big and small. Local neighborhoods, and in downtowns, shop and take a stroll by the river. Plus, our dollars stay in our communities when we support our neighbors.

Maybe our neighbor has or is starting a small business. Maybe he or she provides a service, product, a unique talent. A small storefront. “Where everybody knows your name”. Take another look.

I wake up, and I feel good! It is a great day, what a great day to be alive! We will never have this day, again. We live it once. It is time to go shopping! Put on my lipstick, the wind in my hair, walk through the door. “Hi, how are you?” “Doing great thanks, how are you?” I smile and see smiles and nods back at me. “Can't believe that heat.” “Oh, I know it!” No need to be afraid. I used the hand sanitizer and will wash my hands again soon, but this is great! Oh, look, that item is on sale. That is just what I need — I am on my way, looking good, and it's going to be a great day.

Contrast that with: You're in aisle six. The customer in front turned into aisle seven. Shall I go now, too? No, I need to wait five seconds. Mask falling off, it's so useless anyway. I look like a clown. I make the turn. Oh my gosh, is he asymptomatic? Maybe he's the evil “asymptomatic.” You never know! Boogeyman's gonna get me. Maybe as I touch the Corn Flakes, Boogeyman's germs are there. Or, maybe it's the red apple in produce! “Sir, please step away from the apple.”

This is obsessive compulsive disorder, by the way. We don't need this, folks.

We choose how we live. We choose it right in our own mind. Take your dollars with you, where you are treated right and where you will be valued! Most importantly, where you are free and make your choices in freedom.

Melanie Grasso

Laconia