Face masks: protecting others or symbols of being afraid?
Others don’t honor enemies
Former Arlington mayor Richard Greene is upset over seeing Confederate statues dragged down. (June 21, 5B, “Decisions to pull down monuments to history shouldn’t be rash”) But most were erected decades after the Civil War to bolster white supremacy, which fostered the romantic “Lost Cause” narrative.
What other country venerates avowed traitors? Where is the counter-narrative reflecting the suffering of millions?
The nation failed newly freed slaves during Reconstruction, then connived to keep Blacks suppressed through Jim Crow laws, job and education discrimination, redlining and unequal treatment by the justice system. And states such as Texas make it ever more difficult for them to vote.
If not for smartphone video, this white Texan would never have known the extent of racism that African Americans continue to endure. How many more years will our elected officials dither over removing anachronistic and racist iconography?
- Barry Shlachter, Fort Worth
Masks are about being afraid
Quit your fear-mongering. Facial masks are just a symbol of compliance. Your Sunday editorial was irresponsible and misinformed and had an obvious political agenda. Stick to the facts.
- Tina Welch, Fort Worth
No time for less vigilance
Sunday’s front-page headline and editorial were bold and appropriate for the times: “Hey, Fort Worth. Put on a mask”
The Dallas area is experiencing a dramatic second wave of the coronavirus. As more businesses open and public gatherings increase, are we not at more risk?
How bold indeed it would be if the Star-Telegram could partner with its advertisers and replicate that headline on billboards throughout the area as a reminder to all.
- Donald Bock, Fort Worth
Throw the book at protesters
So now we’re supposed to feel sorry for the protesters on the bridge who were violating the city’s 7 p.m. curfew and were arrested and released? As your story noted, they will now have records that could ruin their lives forever. (June 22, 1A, “Protesters jailed in Fort Worth still have records”)
Actions have consequences. When a society fails to hold people accountable for their actions, lawlessness is the result. These protesters knew what they were doing: intentionally breaking the law. They should be held accountable.
- Marilyn Neely, Granbury
If we have to stay at home …
Gov. Greg Abbott has declared that we are safer at home and should leave only when necessary. Does that mean we can now all vote by mail?
- J.W. Sullivan, Arlington
How to help the economy
Texas is losing the battle against COVID-19. We need to unite in this fight if we are to successfully reopen our state. As a physician, I have reviewed the most robust scientific data and compared our mitigation strategies with those of other countries. Face masks should be required at all indoor gatherings to decrease transmission. Social distancing is not enough to prevent the spread. Please understand that this safety precaution will save many lives, allow our state to reopen more quickly and improve our economy.
- Brittany Potter, Mansfield