Letters to the editor: Coronavirus protests
General welfare
To characterize Heather Scott’s recent comments about Gov. Little as idiotic would be to compliment them beyond their due.
I have worked with the Constitution for a number of years. I have read it numerous times. I can state with absolute confidence that nowhere does it confer on any individual, not Heather Scott, not Wayne Hoffman, not the Bundy gang, not anyone, an unobstructed right to walk around spreading poison in public.
There is mention in the preamble of promoting the general welfare. But perhaps in her haste Ms. Scott skipped over that part.
George Moses, Boise
Study history
The abject selfishness of the participants at the recent protest at the Capitol was abhorrent. These people are putting themselves and anyone that they may come into contact with at risk. They also show an appalling lack of historical perspective. Certain civil liberties have been curtailed during national emergencies multiple times. World War II comes to mind and, more recently, after 9/11. The goal always is to protect the country and its citizens. President Trump isn’t helping the situation by inciting these protesters.
His complete lack of appropriate leadership under the circumstances that we find ourselves is not at all surprising. He has proven time and again that he is unfit to serve as president. I sincerely hope that none of the protesters get ill, and I hope more strongly that they don’t infect others who followed the governor’s extension order.
The legislators and others like former Congressman Raul Labrador who are suggesting that people protest and ignore the sound medical recommendations are derelict in their responsibility. The economy is important, but so are lives. They and their supporters very much need to read U.S. history in order to understand that what the governor did is an appropriate response to the emergency.
Robert Bruce, Eagle
Protesters
Recently hundreds of protesters were at the Idaho state Capitol and also in other states. I understand why they were protesting, and I want our country opened, too. But they proved the point of why we cannot open. The protesters were not practicing social distancing and were not wearing masks. This lack of understanding of Covid-19 and their stupidity will only fill our hospitals and morgues.
None of these protesters should go to the hospital when they get sick from Covid-19. I have family members who work in the health field and they should not have to be put at risk because of the protesters’ carelessness. Let’s get smart and start doing the things that do not put us at risk and will open Idaho back up safely.
Chuck Pond, Boise
Protests
I would like to suggest three things for folks demonstrating to open businesses and eliminate social distancing. First, please sign a petition; that’s how you get the message to the right people. Then all the names on those petitions can be sent to every health care provider in the state so you will be put at the bottom of the priority list to receive care when you contract COVID-19 and you won’t take much needed attention away from sick health care workers, the elderly, and those who tried to follow recommended guidelines but unknowingly came in contact with someone like you. Second, you should go to wherever volunteers are needed and spend a couple of weeks holding the hands of people who are dying of this virus. Perhaps you can even use your iPad or other device to help them and their families see each other for the last time. And third, don’t complain when it comes right back – but worse next time.
Pat Entwistle, Boise