Letters to the editor | Wednesday, April 15, 2020: Let’s get widespread coronavirus testing

Testing is key to crisis management

Last I saw we had tested 0.06% of the American population. Now the federal government will end funding for coronavirus testing sites. This, as criticism continues that not enough testing is available. We have never had enough. Trump and his administration have never been all in, in trying to save the country from this pandemic.

We have had three separate stimulus bills. Congress is working on a fourth. Why can’t there be money set aside for testing kits? We will never have the coronavirus under control till we have a vaccine. Till then, tests are the best way to control the virus.

There is no reason not to manufacture enough. I realize they may be expensive, but that’s why we need some of that money they set aside for corporations. Our lives depend on it.

Lupe Villarreal, Denair

Lucky to have this president

The Modesto Bee hit a new low by printing the column by Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post. At least the writer admits that if he had a loved one dying of COVID-19 he would want the drug hydrchloroquine tried. But he doesn’t allow President Trump to suggest that it might be a medication that will help patients. To put in his headline “Trump’s Unfitness” is disgusting.

I know President Trump would not win any popularity contests, but I am certainly glad that he is leading our country through this pandemic rather than one of the Democrats who wanted to pad the relief bill with things like the Green New Deal, Planned Parenthood, and humongous spending on the arts, expenditures that are not relevant when our country and its people are experiencing the effects of this pandemic. The Democrats have never gotten over losing the 2016 election.

Dona Nagel, Riverbank

Too macho for a mask

You might consider “The Fake News Hour,” otherwise known as the president’s daily rant on how wonderful he is, how everything is going so well, how he’s been doing the right thing from January on, how “incredible” everyone he works with is, and how we’ll all be back to normal very soon.

Remember, of course, that he does not worry about a face mask because he’s so macho. But he’ll be in serious trouble if he gets COVID-19 both because of his age and also his preexisting conditions: a severely bloated ego, cancer of the mouth, dangerously high levels of bile, and a heart embedded with little sense of empathy leading to dangerously low levels of humanity.

Samuel A. Oppenheim, Franklin, MA

Howze’s barbecue was a hit

I thank Ted Howze, Mayor Ted Brandvold, Mayor J.R. McCarty, and Protecting Soldiers’ Rights for distributing free meals to seniors, veterans, first responders, and EMS workers in Modesto on April 8. With so much uncertainty right now, it’s good to know there are leaders in the community who are willing to personally invest time and effort helping those they represent.

This event was a continuation of Howze’s numerous efforts to help and advocate for veterans in our community. As an Army veteran who has lived in the Valley since 1946, I am impressed by Ted’s commitment to advocating for veterans and seniors of all stripes and backgrounds. I believe we can trust Howze to stand up in Congress not only for veterans but for all those in the Valley who are struggling. He has my vote for Congress in November.

Richard Desper, Turlock