Until there is a vaccine, everyone will contract it eventually. Mr. Cates, I think you are confusing cooperation with socialism. When government takes over means of production, that’s socialism. You taught me that in economics class?

You have "socialism" on the brain. It has absorbed you and many others all around, much to the detriment of clear thinking and reasoning. Noone is going to "take over means of production" unless we agree through our elected representatives for that to happenm as we gave done many times and for many specific reasons over the decades. I am not saying that it will never happen. Who knows about that. But one person in the White House won't do it and especially one who has never advocated for it to occur. . I wish you folks who prattle on about "socialism" would stop all government services which you enjoy and for which you do NOT pay much of the actual cost. Then, we'd see how you feel about "getting rid of that old socialism". (It's amusing to me that a nearby town where folks carry on all the time about that "old government money" are now getting, through one of those "socialistic grants" a complete new water system. The old gal who used to represent that county in the TN Senate used to always vote against the state budget, but when newspaper pictures were made for the presenting of "that old government money" to groups in this county, she always had her big self right in the front and handing out the check"!!!) As to everyone contacting covid "eventually", you have made it clear for months that you will not wear a mask because of your "pride". I am just glad I am not ever in contact with you or those selfish and uncaring folks like you who follow that plan. I am so thankful for those who are where I go who are trying. If a mask will prevent just one person from going through what dozens of my friends, family, and neighbors have endured - and continue to endure - from this virus, I am more than glad to do it. It's a minimal and sensible request and, more than that, is mandated by my county mayor.

Tim, be sure to let us know when you get the virus so we can pray for you, your lovely children and wife. Is she still a nurse at the hospital? Just try not to spread it, ok? Meanwhile, I will continue to protect myself and others. 4,801 new cases in the last 44 days in RuCo ... many innocent who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and many who didn’t care or understand the real danger.

The era of thinking that government will ever reduce itself is gone Mr. Cates so enjoy your “socialism.” Core families which have maintained civilizations for thousands of years are being replaced by new age communities defined by scholarly idiots. And, yes I do where a mask in order to get into stores(below my nose at times?). Susan, Jennifer is still nursing and takes precautions, however, besides normal hand washing and cleaning, we aren’t living in fear of this virus ?

Cover that nose! We don’t want to lose you because you decided to play Russian Roulette! You can’t see the virus, but it can see you and with 5,370 new cases and 7 additional deaths here since Ketron lifted the mandate about 47 days ago, just be careful. I may be mistaken, but I’ll bet those 234 of our neighbors who found out they were positive yesterday, even if they had been of your mindset, are now believers. Maybe they’re even fearful of what the future holds for them and those they’ve been in contact with.

Russian roulette? If I was a gambling man, I’d play the Covid game for $. You only lose .1% of the time?

I am worried about those unsuspecting and innocent folks with whom the "unmasked" come in contact. It is so dangerous to have them roaming around our community. People do become believers sometimes, however, when it gets closer and worse. Just look at the Governor of ND who blustered and hee-hawed about the subject and yet today has declared many restrictions, including masks. (I worry though, Tim, at your statement that you "where a mask"??@!@Q) I do enjoy my 'socialism", Tim, as do you and all other folks in our city, county, state and country. If you really want to go all capitalism, feel free to pay the full cost of the building and maintaining of the roads you use, the law enforcement folks who serve you, your medical care and on and on and on. And, yes, those "core families" have been all around this area - and others - since Native Americans, most of them forming very socialistic communities, lived and walked and hunted this land.

Liberals/BLM trying to get rid of “core families.” It’s sad

Never heard the term “core family” before, so I did a quick search. Is this what you mean, Tim ...from https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/core-family? “ Core family means a couple, irrespective of gender (whether married or not), with or without children and/or the parents of either ...”

Susan, as defined for thousands of years- a father, mother, children. God’s law supersedes whatever definition you find?.

Thanks, SusanVera, for clearing that up. I had no idea Tim had such an expanded and updated and enlightened view of "core families".