We can fix the economy, but we can’t resurrect the dead
Spare me the tantrum, Don Huffines
I found Don Huffines’ op-ed, “On coronavirus, Gov. Abbott failed to protect Texas economy,” ignorant, tone deaf and unoriginal. (April 19, 5B) Huffines makes the same tired arguments as everyone else throwing a tantrum over stay-at-home orders.
To say that all Texans are individualistic is plain dumb. I am independent and self-motivated, but my values lie in community and the impact of my actions. We have overcome economic crises before, and we will do it again, but you can’t resurrect the dead.
It’s tyrannical to imply that Abbott is failing Texas by not controlling what local leaders do. There is a reason local leaders can create their own policies and procedures. It’s not very independent-minded for the governor to control what cities do.
- Tori Molinar, El Paso
They need more than applause
The clapping and praise for the medical professionals are fine, but they are not enough. Workers need the gear required to do their jobs. Call your senators, the White House and Austin and tell them to get off their rears.
Enough excuses. These are people’s wives, husbands, daughters and sons. It is nice to clap. But use a phone or email to tell our elected officials to get the gear and testing up to par.
- Richard Rothschild, Fort Worth
Extend those warm feelings
Is it just me, or are people more friendly amid the COVD-19 pandemic? As I walk down the street, people in their front yards stop and say hello or give a friendly wave, as do passing drivers. It’s nice to see people reaching out with kind gestures and smiles on their faces when times are tough.
But our news outlets maintain one-upmanship of who can be more negative. Listening to and reading the news usually leaves a less-than-pleasant taste these days. Let’s redirect to positive ideas and stories for a while.
- Jerry Fleming, Keller
A real problem to solve
Why are we more concerned about filling sports arenas than getting our children safely back in school?
I am a retired superintendent who chose to return to the classroom. I am working tirelessly to help my 137 high school geometry students finish their math credits. But online instruction will never be as effective as student-teacher interaction in the classroom.
How do we go back? Counting my homeroom period, more than 160 students pass through my 25-foot-by-28-foot classroom. They sit at tables less than 2 feet from at least four other students. They share calculators, desks, chairs and door handles. How do we bring them back safely?
- Donna Smith, Burleson
Respect special hours, please
My husband and I are older than 65 with health issues, and we have relied on grocery pickup from Walmart for years. Now, Walmart and other grocery stores and pharmacies do not allow online orders of toilet paper, paper napkins and paper towels. People who are most susceptible to the virus must go into stores to get these necessities.
Some stores provide exclusive early shopping for seniors, but some younger people do not respect the rules, and the risk remains.
- Deana Glenn, Fort Worth
Give Sam Houston his full due
Richard Greene’s piece Sunday on Sam Houston was accurate but incomplete. (4B, “San Jacinto battle freed Texas, led to modern US boundaries”) Houston was Texas’ governor at the onset of the Civil War. The Legislature wanted him to sign the articles of secession. He refused. He was forced out of office in 1861 and died in 1863.
He was more than a Texas hero. He was an American hero.
- Gerald Casenave, Arlington