This family knows firsthand how deadly COVID-19 can be
No, it’s not ‘just the flu’
It was with great sadness that I read about Joel Morton’s passing from COVID-19. (June 21, 1A, “Local woman recalls husband’s battle with COVID”) Joel was 60, and I will turn 60 in September. My wife and I have been married 31 years, similar to the Mortons.
Friends and relatives have made comments to me such as, “You are fit; you will be fine,” and “It is just the flu, Fred. Why are you so worried about it?” I choose not to roll the dice because I do not want to leave my wife or miss spending another Father’s Day with my adult children.
Please put on your masks and practice social distancing to honor Kelly and Joel Morton.
- Frederick Gregory, Arlington
Please take the risk seriously
For my family, COVID-19 has been a direct hit. My sister contracted the virus early on, and it spread throughout her household. Thankfully, everyone recovered.
But my 82-year-old mother, a resident of a memory-care facility, had underlying health conditions that rendered her defenseless when she tested positive for COVID-19. She passed away within a few days.
Lightning struck twice in my family, and I want to prevent others from losing someone they love. As restrictions are eased and we begin to shape the new normal, please put on a mask and practice social distancing. They do make a difference.
- Don A. Duke, Pantego
Setting the stage for what?
By removing statues and monuments that politicians, institutions and a vocal portion of the populace find objectionable, we are freeing up spaces that can be put to more productive uses. Suggested uses are book burnings, witch trials, shaming sessions and re-education seminars (attendance required).
- Steve Mize, Fort Worth
Thank you to the police
The vandalism and destruction we see each night around our nation inspires me to give a shout-out to the men and women of the Fort Worth Police Department. The risks you take on a daily basis are selfless and praiseworthy.
On behalf of thousands of fellow city residents, thank you for your dedication to protect and serve.
- Rick Schwab, Fort Worth
Bar should be reopened
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission unjustly, and perhaps unconstitutionally, imposed an artificially low capacity limit on the Stockyards bar The New PR’s. (June 23, 3A, “Second Stockyards bar suspended for violating orders”)
When the bar allegedly violated this limit to raise $7,000 for a wounded cop, its liquor license was suspended. This is yet another example of overly heavy-handed government action.
Businesses such as PR’s have been shuttered for months, and to close them again is cruel to their owners, employees and lenders. This suspension must be reversed.
If even one employee is laid off, furloughed or forced onto welfare, or if PR’s eventually closes, Texans should be aware who’s responsible.
- Kellen McGovern-Jones, Keller