Letters: Stay in place to defeat pandemic; Wrong message for social distancing?
Stay in place to defeat pandemic
Saw the following in CDT, PennLive and other publications: “Backlash against the quarantine has begun in Pennsylvania, with anti-shutdown rally today (Monday) in Harrisburg.”
Please knock it off. I respect your right to your opinion, but I have rights too that include my life and the pursuit of happiness. I am a senior citizen and my age group has been hit the hardest by COVID-19. Stay in place and we will defeat this pandemic.
An infected person in five days can as many as 32 people if not more.
Wrong message for social distancing?
Oops! My illogical alarm just went off.
As I was watching the local news, my attention was focused on a number of TV ads for a prominent law firm in this area.
It came as a surprise to see colleagues associated with the law firm embrace clients represented by the attorneys in question.
These public displays of affection would raise eyebrows under normal circumstances, especially in the “#MeToo” era that we live in now. But in this time of coronavirus concerns, the visual spontaneity takes on a new dimension.
The thought did occur to me that the attorneys involved are sending the wrong message at a time when “social distancing” should be stressed.
Perhaps the law firm needs to rethink its advertising strategy and take on a more responsible approach.
Undue credit on stimulus checks
The Treasury Department of the United States ordered the IRS to put Donald J. Trump’s signature on the stimulus paper checks that will be sent to some Americans. Because he is not an authorized signer his name can only be added below the line that reads “Economic Impact Payment.”
Perhaps someone (maybe Congress?) needs to remind the president that this stimulus is being paid by taxpayers like you and me. How about instead a line that reads, “Made possible by the taxpayers of America.” We deserve the credit line more than he does, having bragged that most of his life he paid no taxes.
Solution for check dismay
For those people complaining about the fact that President Trump’s signature is on their stimulus check, please just write “return to sender” and that will resolve your dismay, hopefully!
Wolf’s orders show ‘lust for authority’
Gov. Tom Wolf’s response to the current plague is arbitrary and mysterious. Beer sales are apparently essential, however the work of framers, siders and roofers, even though performed outdoors and social distanced are considered nonessential. Those who rely on these jobs to put food on the table consider them essential. Why is the marijuana store open but the dog groomer must shelter in place? We can mow the golf course but can’t play it? How about the professions? We can seek counsel from an accountant or lawyer but the land surveyor poses undue risk marking property lines in the forest? Governor Wolf uses authority of a state law passed 25 years ago to supersede the rights protected by the First Amendment.
The governor’s lust for authority should concern if not frighten Pennsylvania citizens. His recent order requiring masks for everyone in the workplace or store will be enforced by multiple agencies, including the Department of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Agriculture and local officials. Penalties include fines and loss of license to do business.
Governor Wolf stated we must put lives ahead of livelihoods. While that is a reasonable and logical sentiment, the words of Patrick Henry about “liberty or death” come to mind as a somewhat more admirable sentiment.