To the editor:

The Trumpublicans, aka the Republican Party, at one time told us Sarah Palin was presidential material. To them she was known as one of true faith and conviction, a darling of the conservative Christian movement.

Apparently her “faith” wasn’t strong enough to protect her or her son, and both got COVID-19.

“My case is perhaps one of those that proves anyone can catch this.”

She urged Americans to wear masks.

“It’s better than doing nothing to slow the spread.”

This serves as a good example of the shallowness, hypocrisy, and diminishment of a religion. “Faith over fear” to overcome this pandemic is the worst violation of the Third Commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” The meaning is not about swearing; it is a prohibition of blasphemy. Using His name to commit evil, or to pretend to serve in His name while failing to do so.

When that faith results in actions like failure to mask up and social distance because one believes God protects them from harm, is openly a misuse of God’s love and protection. Also, it results in violation of another Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill.” Masking, social distancing, getting vaccinated, are things each one of us can do to save lives. Sounds pretty pro-life to me.

For every person who died from COVID-19, the virus went through countless others. Anyone had the potential to stop the spread with them, saving the lives of those who died as a result of it being passed on. Most of us did our best to not be a link in the deadly chain. Others just did not care based on a distorted view of their “freedom.” Freedom to carelessly kill others? Only Heaven knows how many deaths each one is personally responsible for. We all will answer for our decisions. I have had both my shots and should personally be pretty safe. But I will continue to mask up in public and practice social distancing until the coast is clear for all not just me. My morality directs me to. It’s not a fear of the virus, I fear the Judgement.