Letters to the editor: Masks, Gov. Little, red and blue states, Fulcher
Face masks
I urge all Boiseans to please wear a mask whenever you leave your home and wherever you go. This includes the Greenbelt. You are showing your respect for the other person(s) you pass when you wear a mask. Public Health Emergency Order No. 20-05 states in section 3.B.v.: “Strongly consider the use of face coverings while in public.” Please be more respectful of your fellow walkers, runners, cyclists and shoppers. Unless you are tested on a daily basis for COVID-19, how do you know you are not an asymptomatic carrier of the virus?
Margaret Cruzzavala, Boise
Gov. Little
I have to be honest right from the start. I did not vote for Gov. Little, and I am disappointed in the way he slashed the rights of Idaho’s LGBT citizens. That aside, I feel compelled to respect him for the way he has handled the current coronavirus situation. He has experienced a lot of negative push-back for his decisions on closures and self-isolation. What I see is admirable leadership, someone who has been level-headed. He has most likely saved lives and kept a frightening situation under control. Republican or Democrat, he deserves our respect.
Barbara Fairchild, Boise
Fulcher
In the midst of a once-in-a-generation-type crisis, it is easy to become discouraged. Valid fears about the economy and confusion as to which sources offer truth, add to the already chaotic situation. The silver lining is that Idaho has an advocate who has been prepared to act for this very moment. Russ Fulcher’s willingness and desire to listen to the concerns and counsel of his constituents is reassuring in a time where hope can be hard to come by. Congressman Fulcher’s life demonstrates a pattern of humble leadership that Idahoans need now more than ever. I’m grateful that my congressman grew up on a dairy farm and has experienced the challenges that everyday Idahoans endure. I’m also grateful that my congressman brought his international business experience with him to Congress, which means more now that we are facing a global pandemic. Russ has met my expectations and surpassed them since I voted for him in 2018. Please join me in supporting Russ Fulcher for Congress in the May Republican primary.
Brett Slaughter, Caldwell
Red and blue states
The coronavirus does not discriminate between Democrats and Republicans. The letter “Democrats” bases its statistics on an article published by James Rodgers for lawliberty.org, supposedly showing that Republican states have fewer COVID-19 deaths than Democrat states. I challenge the science behind this, as there are too many variables involved to compare deaths in different states. For one, COVID-19 hit the blue coastal states first, where populations have very different living arrangements and transportation options, and have airports which are the principal gateway into the United States from other countries. And what is the point of comparing in the first place? Our scientists have come up with a plan for re-opening based on decreased numbers of infections. Governors are pretty much following the plan, based on their states’ infection numbers. Some folks don’t like to be told what to do but seem to forget that their actions affect other people. Some people seem to think they know better than the experts. Luckily, most folks, whatever their political affiliation, are making the best of a tough situation and are helping each other out.
Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian