Letters to the editor | Wednesday, April 22, 2020: Not enough coronavirus tests for all, so stay home
More virus testing is the key
I saw President Trump announce that the country is now testing 150,000 people a day for exposure to the COVID-19 virus. That really sounds like a lot of tests, and as he pointed out, “We are doing a very fine job of controlling the situation.” After all that’s 1,050,000 a week. We should be proud of that and start planning to loosen up restrictions on containment.
The problem is that if we tested 100 million a week it would still take us three weeks to test our entire population. Since the virus only seems to take about two weeks to become a full-blown problem then we would have to start all over again after the first test.
Now the governors say we don’t have enough supplies to continue our current rate of testing, or the PPE to equip our healthcare personnel who so bravely treat those infected. So, what’s the easiest, cheapest, and next most effective solution? Stay home. Maintain your distance. Wash frequently. Cooperate with the experts so that we can get this inconvenience behind us.
David Ablett, Modesto
The crisis has become political
We are facing something none of us ever thought we would — a viral pandemic. A worldwide, contagious, invisible killer that knows no border, race, political party or gender.
And what does our fearless leader do? Instead of providing us with effective leadership in these dark times, he chooses to have rally-style briefings, fights with reporters, blames almost everyone but himself and now incites his cult-like supporters to go out into the streets and “liberate” their states. They are out there with no masks on, waving their Trump flags, gathering in large groups and strapping guns to their backs, all with the premise of fighting stay-at-home orders. Guess they think they can shoot the virus out of people?
How irresponsible. I do not want to give up my 70-something life for the much-needed economy to re-elect this buffoon. Am I angry? You bet! Not to mention that there are 36,698 dead. Way to keep dividing the country, Trump. New death counts will be on your hands, but as long as it benefits you, who cares?
Yvonne Hudson, Modesto
Primer on assembly freedoms
If I may; a refresher, and an educated point of view.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Peaceably assemble: peace means “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.”
If people assemble now, they can spread the virus, and by spreading the virus, they can kill their fellow citizens, bringing a tremendous amount of disturbance and completely destroying tranquility. You cannot peaceably assemble right now, therefore it’s not a right.
Tim de Lorimier, Modesto
Have a heart, Stan State
This week, my two young-adult children and I met at Stanislaus State to take a brief, socially distant walk and spend some time together outdoors. We arrived in three separate cars and parked in empty lots. We walked and enjoyed the campus and each other and returned to our cars to find a $33 ticket on each car. Apparently, our time together had a price tag.
We spoke with the young college student who was issuing the ticket and it was explained to us we had parked in a permit parking area.
It is surprising to think that 1) The college student issuing tickets is an essential worker. 2) Stan State would issue tickets in empty lots with a closed campus. 3) Stan State would issue costly tickets while our county residents are experiencing severe economic shortcomings. Both of my children who received these tickets are currently unemployed due to COVID-19.
While the rest of the nation is leveraging resources trying to find ways to support one another, Stan State is busy issuing tickets in empty lots. I would have expected more from our local college.
Michael Contreras, Turlock