To the Journal editor:

For me, as a Catholic Christian and volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul, there is no debate. In the COVID-19 pandemic, saving lives is more important than the stock market and the economy.

That is why I support Gov. Whitmer’s May 15 stay-at-home executive order. Yes, it is inconvenient and the financial pain is real. But I do not understand the protest against Gov. Whitmer at the capitol, some with Trump signs, some with assault rifles.

And how appalling was it that Republican state Sen. Zorn wore a face mask in Lansing that resembled the Confederate flag. This is not a partisan issue.

It is a matter of life and death, even here in the Upper Peninsula, as the number of cases grows daily. As of (Thursday) there were (51) COVID-19 cases and (10) deaths in Marquette County alone. This breaks my heart. Without social distancing, the number of cases and deaths would have been more.

The protesters claim the governor is taking away their “freedom,” that she is a dictator and should be recalled. But what about my aging mother and father’s right and my right to be free from the silent spread of the disease that has no cure and no vaccine. The only protection is to stay at home.

Fortunately, those who oppose the governor’s handling of the virus are in the minority; the Wall Street Journal reported that her approval rating on handling the virus among Republicans was 61% and among Democrats 81%.

Ohio Republican Gov. DeWine who issued similar strict stay-at-home orders has an approval rating of 82% among Ohio Republicans.

This is not a partisan issue. It is a matter of life and death.