In discouraging news, the U.S. hit its highest number yet of new daily COVID-19 infections yesterday. Though the entire health community has consistently sounded alarms, the coronavirus response has been plagued by confusing guidance, and too many Americans have taken a "hope for the best" approach, scoffed at scientists, and refused to take simple precautions like wearing a mask. And, in the debate over economic interests versus public health, too many state and local officials have prioritized the economy in the short term to potentially devastating effects on both. It’s a failure of leadership, absolutely. But, as citizens, ultimately it's our responsibility to use good judgment and take responsibility for ourselves and our communities—both key components of self-government. —Mindy Finn

It is interesting how a mish-mash of mandates, rules, orders, etc., are being put in place across the country to battle the coronavirus. It would be great if they work. Of course, we have no national strategy or leadership. You are on your own. In many states, that is also the case. Heck, some states have, or had, mandates to not allow cities or towns to issue mandates. These people are leaders. LOL.

When you put in place mandates or laws, a key piece is how they will be enforced, if at all. It is important to lay out the process/procedure to do so. Yet that is missing in many cases, it appears. Heck, law enforcement folks even go on record stating they will not enforce various orders or mandates.

In a "perfect world," everyone would do the very simple things like wear a mask and avoid crowds. That's not going to happen, especially not in the U.S., with all of our "patriots." So mandates are put in place for masks. Will they be enforced and how? The whole country just saw that the mask mandate in Phoenix was not enforced when the stable genius had a rally at a church.

In the Northeast, people entering certain states from "hotspots" are supposed to self-quarantine for 14 days. Yet how will it be enforced? The quarantine in the Northeast is left up to "trust." So people on vacation, let's say for a week, will lock themselves up for 14 days? Sure, and I have a bridge to sell you.

If everyone is smart and does the right thing, as some governors claim, we would not have any police forces, we would not have stop signs, nor speed laws, etc. The mandates may be with good intention, but unless you are able and willing to enforce them, they will become worthless. —Bill T., Arizona