A tale of two COVID-19 cities: Why the discrepancies between Dallas and Fort Worth?
Spread the gratitude around
I’m a veteran and find it heartwarming to hear checkout clerks say, “Thank you for your service,” when they see my ID. But we all need to be saying that to frontline workers now.
I started saying this to people in grocery stores who are sanitizing carts, wiping down surfaces, checking people out and staffing customer-service counters. And don’t forget police, firefighters and emergency medical responders.
- Robert Marcotte, Arlington
Dallas, you overreacted
Local political leadership counts during this pandemic. In Dallas, County Judge Clay Jenkins unveiled a hyped model with data that was undercut within a week. He purported to have called the governor about lack of use of medical facilities, and the governor publicly stated that he was never contacted by the judge.
In Tarrant County, in contrast, we have had a studied, reasonable and moderate response to our health crisis. Thanks to Judge Glen Whitley for the competence he has shown.
- Donald J. Engleman, Southlake
Meanwhile, back in the real world
I don’t know what planet Dr. Robin Armstrong lives on, but I wish we had the president he has. (April 12, 5B, “Doctors appreciate Trump’s actions to battle coronavirus”) Here on Earth, we are stuck with President Donald Trump, who is nothing like the man Armstrong wrote about so glowingly.
Ours ignored the first warnings about the coronavirus in November 2019. He continually downplayed the threat in February, then said it would disappear “like a miracle” in April. He is more worried about his television ratings than the American people. His daily press briefings spread lies and misinformation and have become his own personal rallies.
I could go on and on. I wish we had the president Armstrong has.
- Linda Carlow, Alvarado
What is behind the numbers?
Why is the mortality rate for COVID-19 in Tarrant County — nearly 3% as of Monday — so much greater than Dallas County’s 1.8%? Dallas County has more than twice as many cases but a similar number of deaths.
What are the two counties doing differently? And which one is going to change?
- Judy Stanford, Hurst
Our leaders are letting us down
Tarrant County’s government and its health department have a national reputation for innovation and excellence. That’s why I am unpleasantly surprised at their COVID-19 response. Without much wider testing and decisive and forceful leadership, we are destined to be hunkered down and practicing half-hearted physical distancing for another year.
For an inspirational example of how to effectively communicate about the seriousness of this pandemic, check out Detroit.
Elected officials who put their careers and re-election prospects above the interests of their constituents will be judged harshly by voters, history and our creator.
- Reagan Smith, Fort Worth
Veasey should do even more
We can all appreciate Rep. Marc Veasey’s concern about the lack of social distancing he recently witnessed. (April 10, 1A, “Rep. Veasey concerned for black community”)
All of us need to practice good judgment, abiding by orders given to stop the spread of coronavirus. But as a congressman, Veasey should have taken the initiative to address his constituents personally and educate them about the need for better social distancing in these difficult times.
- Tom Hinde, Keene