Don’t let the next federal coronavirus relief bill favor the rich, like the first did

Relief for the rich

Recent articles have revealed that many aspects of the federal relief bill passed in March favored upper income individuals and corporations. Now, I’ve learned that one provision set aside more than $100 billion in tax breaks exclusively for the “one percent.” It applies not only to this year, but the past two years, clearly confirming this provision has nothing to do with the current emergency.

At the same time, money for small business loans has run out and not nearly enough has been allocated to protect first responders. Even given the need for political compromise, it is hard to understand how this outrage gained approval, let alone how the recipients and their lobbyists can sleep at night. This should be a wake-up call for the rest of us to be vigilant during the next round of federal relief. We simply cannot let this sort of outrage be repeated.

Tom Vitaglione, Raleigh

Boost the economy

A consequence of uneven distribution of wealth is that spending and circulation of money is dampened. With more money in fewer hands, there is much less spending. This is particularly true now, as economic activity is depressed because so many are sheltered at home.

For those still earning a salary while working remotely, now is a good time to boost the economy by making purchases that might otherwise be put off. Have your car serviced, make that home repair, and most of all, patronize local restaurants and coffee shops, even if served through your car window. Tip generously. The more money put in circulation, the more it will help those who must be at work to earn a living.

Keith Sherman, Raleigh

Chinese scientists

I’ve run a research lab for more than 40 years at top universities. I’ve had excellent graduate students and post-doctoral researchers from China and have engaged in extremely productive projects with professors in China. These interactions were of tremendous mutual benefit. They emphasize that there is not Chinese science and U.S. science, just science. Without interactions of researchers throughout the world, scientific progress would slow tremendously.

President Trump’s attempt to blame China and the WHO for his failure to deal effectively with the virus is shameful. His rhetoric and actions will harm the scientific cooperation between labs in China and the U.S. Since there is little evidence he has any appreciation of the connection between scientific progress and the health and welfare of U.S. citizens, I hope others will understand these connections before the damage is irreparable.

Tom Petes, Chapel Hill

Armed protesters

All that demonstrators who carry military-grade weapons to protests manage to show is how useless these weapons are in fighting a pandemic. A mask that prevents you from unknowingly passing on a virus you may not know you have is far more powerful than all the artillery you carry. The Second Amendment can’t protect us from this pandemic, only mature, responsible, caring behavior will see us through. Wear a mask!

Margaret Magnani, Cary

Nurses, coworkers

May 6-12 is Nurse’s Week. Hospital nurses have received many accolades, deservedly so, but we must not forget the other nurses – those who show up daily in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, home care situations.

These heroes, many of whom are working with less than adequate supplies of PPE, continue to serve their clients daily. We must also thank ancillary medical personnel who enable nurses to do their jobs – nurse’s aides, dietary staff, housekeeping, unit secretaries, maintenance crews. I’ve been a nurse almost 30 years in many different settings. I’ve never been prouder of my profession, but my job would be impossible without the hard work of these other heroes.

Karen Rivera, Knightdale

2020 election

For most of our country’s history it has been made easier to vote. Now, in an election year, the country is experiencing an unprecedented pandemic. Ways need to be found for people to vote safely in this critical time. Such ways exist – online registration, voting by mail, expanding absentee voting, early voting, giving voters the day off. Opponents claim that such reforms would lead to irregularities or even fraud, but have no proof. Americans should not have to risk their lives to exercise their rights as citizens in a democracy.

Lynn M. Cohen, Durham

Mike Sprayberry

As a former state Division of Emergency Management team member, I clearly remember what it’s like to wake up each morning and think, “What’s the worst thing that I might have to deal with today?” That is a difficult question that Director of Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry has to answer every hour of every day. North Carolinians owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.

Martha Glass, Cary