I feel the need to speak on behalf of the citizens who feel as if our voices are being silenced during this “pandemic.”

We the people feel as if our liberties are being stripped away right in front of us. We can no longer go and do as we please. We are not allowed to assemble together to worship our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The government, nationwide and local, has lost its mind.

Our economy is crashing, people cannot work to provide for their families, we are viewed as careless when not wearing a mask in public, small businesses are folding, distant learning is mediocre and students are struggling.

Fear mongering needs to stop. We cannot operate our county out of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear you will not get re-elected if you make the wrong decision. Fear is paralyzing and all-consuming. God does not give us spirit of fear but of peace, love and of a sound mind.

It is time that our local leaders stand up and say “no more!” Let’s reopen our county safely and immediately.

To our county commissioners — Greg Edds, Jim Greene, Craig Pierce, Judy Klusman and Mike Caskey — it’s time to do what you were elected to do. Be a voice for your citizens! Rally together and start reopening our county. We know you hold the power to do so.

We cannot let Gov. Roy Cooper dictate what happens in a county that he knows nothing about. The majority of our COVID-19 cases and all but one death are in congregate facilities. These people, I feel, need more protection from this as they are the most vulnerable. But we cannot continue to squash our local economy and small businesses out of fear. Step up county commissioners and help us reopen Rowan.

—  Elizabeth Hilton

Salisbury