Letters to the editor: Voting, pandemic, masks

Voting

In response to Shiva Rajbhandari’s 5/24 letter, I want to encourage younger people to exercise their right to vote. And, as a “baby boomer,” I submit that there is no reason to create an ideological division between our generations. More division is the last thing our country needs.

The issues mentioned in Shiva’s letter — climate change, national debt, student loans, taxes, military spending, health care, prisons, public lands and civil rights — all are of grave concern to me and my wife and all our friends, as well. We are distraught about the direction our government is taking the country, its environmental policies, the future of the country and the world for the sake of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and so much more. We also need to find humane answers to immigration and LGBTQ rights.

So, yes, please, everyone get out and vote and vote wisely, with your eyes wide open. If we continue down the road we are on, it will only bring more destruction to our environment, more income inequality, more health care inequality and more suffering for all but the wealthy few.

John Jacobsen, Boise

Pandemic

As in all viral pandemics, there is a time of hospitalization and death from the virus and/or comorbidities associated with the virus. This time has passed for COVID-19. Through this pandemic, deaths, hospitalizations and diagnosed “cases” reported by our unelected and unaccountable public health “experts” and the panic press (Idaho Statesman) have led to excessive fear and draconian “orders” and “phases” from Gov. Brad Little. In Idaho, 100% of COVID-19 “deaths” are attributed to (not verified in) people over the age of 75. Almost half of these deaths occurred in nursing homes or other facilities housing the elderly, in Blaine, Ada and Nez Perce counties.

Our governor failed to follow the lead of governors in Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Dakota and South Dakota, who have been able to limit loss of life and keep their people employed by focusing on eldercare while allowing their economies to flourish. This has been accomplished without unconstitutional statewide shutdowns or keeping some businesses and churches closed and labeled as “nonessential.” The commonsense of freedom-loving Americans, mitigation measures of distancing and controlling droplet spread, the blessing of the virus-killing summer sun, and vaccines to come this fall, all assure us that we can now look forward to the return to our normal lives.

George W. Katsilometes, Pocatello

Masks

Considering the research and scientific proof that mask wearing saves lives and that 40% of virus transmissions are from people with no symptoms, I am concerned and confused by all of the anti-maskers in our community and question their motives.

Is their decision to not wear a mask an attempt to make a statement about their anti-government, or anti-science views, or of their Trump support, or is it just rebellion against the governor, health experts or any authority that tells them what to do?

I sincerely hope they will recognize that distancing and mask wearing are a serious public health issue, not a political one. A mask wearer says I understand the science and severity of the virus, I feel very sad about those who have lost loved ones, I care about my family, friends, neighbors and myself. I appreciate all of the doctors, nurses, first responders, grocery store employees and so many others who wear masks and serve my needs at their own risk. Masks also support the small business owners who are attempting to open safely, employ workers, earn a living and help our overall economy.

A mask says I am a thoughtful, caring Idahoan.

Beverly Taylor, Meridian