Matt goes to the mat | Letter
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 13, 2021
“Going to the mat” is an idiom for taking on a hard fight with all of one’s efforts and fighting to the bitter end. So when I heard that Matt Marinkovich, provider of magnificent fresh fish, founder of the fabulous “Fish for Teeth” program was “going to the mat” for a critical island issue, I figured it was for something like stopping domestic violence or solving the ferry crisis.
When I learned that his “Live Free or Die” moment was not wearing a mask in the market, I was saddened. I’ve purchased fish from Matt. I love his fish tacos (burritos). I like and admire him. I’m guessing he follows other mandates regarding public safety like stopping for stop signs, observing speed limits and following fishing regulations.
The vaccines are available, effective and free. If FDA approval and seven hundred thousand dead Americans isn’t a wake-up call, then I don’t know what will convince him. I served a tour in Vietnam for his civil liberties and freedoms. He has a right to protest. He can draw his line in the sand if this is what he truly believes. Time will tell who is right. In the meantime, he may be wondering if it was all worth it and where he’ll get his groceries.
Mike Buettell
San Juan Island
