I have never written a letter to the editor, but feel compelled when I continue to see people in my community write on their social media posts how upset they are if we have to wear masks and can’t go into restaurants, blame the government for all the problems related to COVID 19, and make many other complaints. My hope is to try to inspire people to look at this problem a little differently.

I want to thank my grandparents (John and Winnie Martin and Mabel Steinke and Wilbur Hubbard) for having the foresight to see the necessity in giving their children vaccines that prevented further spread of infectious diseases during their time. Smallpox was eradicated as a result of your efforts. The efforts of all these heroes allowed my parents to have an opportunity to enjoy childhood.

Next, I want to thank my parents (Dayton and Rowena Hubbard) for having my three brothers, sister, and myself vaccinated to prevent many of the infectious diseases that were going through our country and world at the time (measles, mumps, etc.) Your understanding of the necessity to keep us and our friends safe allowed us to lead a normal childhood!

My children (Jessie, Samantha, and Bo) have thanked my wife (Ava) and I several times for vaccinating them over the years to keep down the spread of so many infectious diseases that have popped up during their lifetime. My children were able to enjoy all the activities that they wanted to participate in without any restrictions during their school experience.

My point is that for generations people have protected us by vaccinating children and adults. We have eradicated several diseases that would have killed so many. We have that opportunity today. We have a very safe vaccine that can protect ourselves, our children, and our community members. This is not a political issue. This is a public safety concern. If you knew that you could give a disease to a child that could potentially kill them, wouldn’t you do something to protect them?

I was an educator for 38 years. I have never seen such division over a public safety issue. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the teachers and administrators that have been vaccinated as they continue to have to deal with the mask and vaccine debate. The only way out of the complaints that I continually hear from the community is to get vaccinated. For generations, we have protected our children. Are we going to continue this protection? I certainly hope so!

Scott Hubbard

Carbonado