‘America first’ stance impeded US response to coronavirus pandemic

America first?

Every “America first” article has concerned me. We’re now seeing the reasons for my angst.

As we concentrated on “America first,” the Trump administration abolished the position of our CDC liaison in China, eliminating our inside connection to the onset of COVID-19. Gone was the knowledge we needed to stay ahead of this threat.

When America was viewed as a global leader and partner, we helped the world overcome Ebola and SARS, eliminating threats to our homeland while also helping the world. Unfortunately, our current lack of global leadership left us vulnerable.

Americans need to do some soul-searching while quarantined. Do we want a president who fires key scientists? Or, do we want a government that’ll ensure necessary offices are reinstated so that we once again become a global leader.

Our lives depend on us taking back the reins of international partnership.

Kathy Repass, Cary

Unfair cartoon

I was appalled at the April 1 cartoon showing a masked landlord allegedly stealing from renters. In my limited experience as a renter I have never found any one of my landlords, whether an individual or company, to be anything but honest and fair.

It is important to note that landlords rely on those monthly rent checks to pay their mortgages, taxes, insurance and upkeep. Let’s be fair to those who provide decent housing to a large number of our citizens.

Jeff Allen, Holly Springs

Virus shutdowns

Is it just coincidence that states that had not issued statewide stay-at-home orders as of Friday had Republican governors?

The governor of Florida very reluctantly closed the north Florida beaches long after he should have. Georgia’s governor shut down his state effective 6 p.m. Friday, claiming he had just found out that asymptomatic people could spread the virus.

What are they afraid of? Upsetting President Trump, who still refuses to issue a national shutdown of our country? It is beyond time to do the right thing.

Charlie Bruce, Southport

Gun purchases

Regarding “Wake County now says gun stores can stay open during COVID-19 pandemic,“ (March 31):

In North Carolina many “nonessential” businesses are closed, but I can buy a gun. Is it essential to have a gun? I am worried that suicides, homicides and domestic violence will increase during this hard time.

Grazia Walker, Charlotte

Relief checks

As if we needed another reminder of the president’s petty self-centeredness, he has said he wants his signature on the soon-to-be-sent relief checks. There are many people, such as myself, who will receive checks but have a more than adequate income. Let’s all make an effort to get this money to people who do need it — there is no shortage of them.

Peter Aitken, Chapel Hill

Keep a journal

Regarding “Hospitalizations rise as NC engages stay-at-home order,” (March 31):

Until this shutdown is over, I challenge everyone to write down each time they go somewhere. Write down the date, time, place, who you visited, where you stopped, when you got there and left. If you start exhibiting symptoms, you’ll be able to tell medical workers or the CDC where you went, enabling them to better notify the public. Even the best of us cannot remember where we were on a certain day a week ago. You may save a life.

Gwen Wilkins, Rocky Mount

Social distancing

Regarding “What is, isn’t allowed for stay-at-home order,” (March 29) and related articles:

While it is wonderful to see the huge increase in folks out walking, jogging and biking during our “stay at home” time, it is important to remember that social distancing also applies outdoors.

If a New England Journal of Medicine study says the virus can survive in the air for three hours, how close should you be to me on the trail? Six feet is a minimum! Yet I continue to see groups of people walking together and passing each other closely.

Given the lack of testing in North Carolina, the tardiness of enacting stay-at=home orders, and the virus’ asymptomatic spread, everyone should assume they and those they pass are carriers. So use common sense. Move off the trail or sidewalk and smile or wave as you pass.

We’re all in this together. Don’t give authorities a reason to close more parks and trails.

Tim O’Brien, Durham

Trash collectors

Friday morning I went to our overflowing trash containers with my daily contribution. I found to my delight that the collection crew had already picked up both trash and recycling.

In these difficult weeks, we are thankful to our hospital staff, first responders and public safety personnel, but I want to add my gratitude to Durham trash collection crews. They have a difficult and dangerous job in the best of times, but are downright heroic today. So let’s add them to the list of local heroes who deserve our respect and gratitude.

Robert Healy, Durham

This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 1:36 PM.