Sure, let’s reopen Texas — but let’s be honest about the coronavirus numbers
Don’t tell me my age is a factor
I’m tired of hearing I am more vulnerable to COVID-19 just because I am older than 65. I spent 30 years in the U.S. Army, maintaining top physical conditioning. I continue to do so. I am no more likely to get the virus than younger folks. Quit classifying me just because of age.
- William Harnagel, Arlington
Lay off Colleyville, Bud Kennedy
I cannot wait for Texas restaurants to open again, if only to give Bud Kennedy something to write about other than his unadulterated hatred of Colleyville and its leaders. It just doesn’t occur to Kennedy that some cities are not happy to be run by liberals who want to strip away all freedoms for the betterment of the community.
We will turn to the governor and our mayor for guidance and will try to contain ourselves from wildly spreading a virus. We will attempt to sort out the madness in the media and care for our families as best we know how and hope that Kennedy finds someone else to bully.
- Kathleen Socket, Colleyville
Health care workers all alone
As a physician, I wholeheartedly agree with the issues raised in Mark Dent’s front-page Sunday story, “Texas ranks close to bottom in virus testing.” When the statewide shelter-at-home order is lifted, a spike in cases is inevitable if we do not rapidly identify and isolate COVID-19 patients through testing.
Front-line workers like me desperately need rapid tests, other testing materials and protective equipment. Because of supply-chain challenges, we are on our own to procure these items, and we need the government’s help and influence to get the materials we need to protect our citizens.
Jeremy Gabrysch, Fort Worth
We can find a way to do it in person
As a member of the Arlington Heights High School class of 2020, I have been anticipating graduation day for years. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than walking across a stage and being handed a diploma to celebrate hard work, dedication and perseverance. That’s why the Fort Worth Independent School District must change its decision to shift to virtual graduation ceremonies.
A ceremony to celebrate an outstanding accomplishment has been reduced to a Zoom call. Although the challenges of COVID-19 are real, a traditional ceremony is still possible. Other area districts, such as Keller, are having in-person graduation in late July. Fort Worth should follow in its footsteps. We demand better for ourselves and our community.
- Jordan Mendez, Fort Worth
At least numbers don’t lie
Cherry picking, anyone?
Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday, as he announced a plan to reopen businesses, that the data showed a reduction in new COVID-19 cases in Texas over the past 17 days. Why 17? Why not 14 or 21?
Here’s one possibility: Those numbers didn’t support his decision. State figures show that on April 26, the day before Abbott’s announcement, there were 858 new COVID-19 cases in Texas. Fourteen days before, there were 422. And 21 days before, there were 464. But 17 days before, new cases spiked to 1,440.
Per Mark Twain, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”
Yes, let’s reopen. But let’s do it safely — and honestly.
- Jon Bullock, Colleyville
This story was originally published May 3, 2020 at 5:00 AM.