Open letter to the person who called the police on several children in Pine Island on June 29, 2020.
Dear sir or madam,
You failed.
I assume you called the police on a group of children, finally enjoying their lives outside of their homes with friends their own age, because you are either fearful or resentful. Specifically, fear of death from the virus or resent directed at these courageous Mothers who have finally, collectively said, “Enough.”
The good children of the Warwick community have endured way more than should be expected of children their age these last months. This lock down was motivated by the fear of death and has continued based upon skewed rhetoric and anecdotal information consumed by all too many people - including our elected politicians. The available data shows that the virus has a low mortality rate (overall 0.6% per Imperial College London) and primarily affects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. This is not trivial, but the virus will inevitably continue to spread and those that are susceptible should take every precaution they feel prudent to protect themselves; However, the rest of us must all move forward, while doing our best to stay safe, and that is our right to do so.
This is now a known risk based upon the data presented. The same calculation is already made for every other risk we take in our daily lives. Fatality is a possible outcome for many people engaging with others who may potentially carry viral pneumonia or in executing daily activities that may result in injuries, poisoning or severe allergic reactions. All of it comes with a level of risk that we process and in this free land we each decide whether we accept the risk and move on.
My family will not live in fear. We are moving forward. I am thankful we have found other like-minded American families in Warwick who are moving forward as well. If our families enjoying their freedom frustrates you or offends you, then you are more than welcome to voice your opinion. Be prepared for others to disagree and do the exact opposite of what you would like. That is life in this wonderful democracy and so I am perfectly clear, you are not our keeper.
That said, if you are at risk or have suffered loss because of this virus, as we have in both death and financial capacity, then I suggest you turn your anger to the rightful owners of the start of this plight and the continued suffering. The Government of China has more explaining to do. We await real data before condemning anyone, but that is the origin according to our American intelligence community and it appears the careless or deliberate acts of some led to a worldwide threat. A threat which now appears to be only somewhat more effective at damaging susceptible people than flu (i.e. mortality 0.8% for 65 year olds with flu vs 1.4% for 65 year olds with Wuhan Coronavirus per CDC) and only targets an unfortunate few groups in our population.
We look forward to the complete release of all relevant mortality information that will support informed decisions going forward. In the interim, the continued repackaging and manipulation of data relayed by the media and ‘experts’ is rampant, so we must of course, take all this information with a grain of salt.
Should you feel the risk is too great, are afraid to return to normal and enjoy the clean, fresh air outside, stay home. Mask up. Wrap yourself up in plastic wrap. Take whatever measures you feel wise. I do not care because that is your right.
But do not threaten my family. Do not attempt to curtail their freedom. You will find that there are many people in the Warwick community that do not agree with you and your call to stop children from playing and their parents from exercising their freedom and judgement. I vehemently disagree. I served several years for this wonderful Country in the United States military and having defended it once - against far worse adversaries - I will do it again.
To the Police Officer who dispositioned the call on site: Thank you, Sir, for your kindness, sincerity and fantastic demonstration of the good work done by the Police Department.
Also note, this officer was a white male. There were several members of the group that were minorities and the conversation could not have gone any better. There was no fear, no resistance - only good discourse and good old-fashioned manners shared by all parties involved. This is more representative of the countless successful interactions police have with citizens all over the United States.
So again, to the person who called in the Police Department on a group of children playing freeze tag and red light, green light - You failed. We will be back, and we will be in larger numbers. We look forward to speaking with our great Police Department again, as needed, and when they leave for lack in foundation to enforce any law, we will get back to living and the Police can go on to more pressing matters - like defending this great Community from the few recent break-ins and robberies along Route 94.
Should you elect to not call the police, but rather develop the strength to address my family, my wife and I will be on site for you to speak your mind - man to man or woman to woman.
Respectfully,
Tim White
Proud father, American and Warwick resident