Letters: Is Dan Patrick right about sacrifice, or way off base?

Dan Patrick has priorities right

Your Wednesday editorial on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick shows a lack of wisdom. (11A, “Dan Patrick’s Fox News comments on virus embarrassing”) Patrick was speaking of the ruin a prolonged shutdown of the economy would have on our country and the effort he is willing to make to prevent that.

How many lives will be lost to the coronavirus versus how many lives will be lost to suicides and crimes from economic losses? What about increased domestic abuse?

Patrick pointed out the false wisdom of trying to protect us at all costs. Many Americans would rather have a fighting chance than kneel to government’s overreach.

- Ray Harris, Fort Worth

Only economy can be revived

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s statements regarding his willingness to risk his health and the health of older adults reflect total disregard for the physical and emotional well-being of all Texans.

This virus does not distinguish victims by age. The economy will come back, but a person who dies stays dead.

We must remain proactive and united on social-distancing guidelines. Patrick needs to think before he opens his mouth next time.

- Pat Gleason-Wynn, Arlington

Time to pull out the hats

I certainly understand why hairdressers are considered a non-essential business and are therefore closed. But we’re all in this together, so I expect to see members of Congress, local politicians, newscasters and everyone else on TV or in the newspaper needing haircuts like the rest of us.

- Edythe Cohen, Fort Worth

All I get is talk, not action

We’ve been told to stay home, to not go to work, to stay at least six feet from everyone. Mayor Betsy Price tells us, “Y’all be safe.”

Leaders have done a nice job of instilling panic and fear. Now, how about a little hope? How are you going to help us through this? How do we pay our mortgages and rent? How do we buy food and pay the electric bill?

My guess is that although we can’t be tested unless we have symptoms of COVID-19, many of our esteemed political leaders have been tested. They will continue to draw paychecks, and we will continue to get an empty “stay safe” message.

- John Macon, Fort Worth

Don’t need your bitterness

A Tuesday letter writer (9A) stated that he or she is certain those opposed to socialism will return their government-issued stimulus checks, sarcasm implied.

My household plans to donate whatever check comes our way to charity or to individuals we know to be hurting. I’m certain many others who are constantly being slammed for their politics will do so as well.

Keep your bitter feelings to yourself.

- Julie Wende, Fort Worth

On your own, states

Asking area leaders to shoot straight on a strategy to contain the coronavirus is as foolish as banning guns in Dallas but selling them in Fort Worth.

The only feasible way to deal with this pandemic is at the federal level, and we have an unstable president who blames Democrats, says he’s not responsible, tells governors to get their own respirators and uses his daily briefing as a political rally.

- Sharon Austry, Fort Worth