Former NC governor: Partisan debate over reopening is just democracy at work

Democracy at work

The partisan debate over reopening the economy is just democracy at work.

Republicans raised valid concerns for job losses if businesses fail. Democrats objected that this concern for business would endanger more lives. Republicans demanded economic restoration before it’s too late. Democrats expressed valid fears that COVID-19 would rebound and overwhelm health care capacity.

Both were right. We must protect our health care system, but need a healthy economy to pay for it.

Now we see red states moving faster to reopen, with most blue states only slightly behind. Democrats insist reopening be done in phases, with insistence on testing, spacing and masks, with most Republicans following suit. Each side effectively pressed the other to “do the right thing the right way.” Good for them.

Jim Martin,

NC Governor 1985-93

Reopening NC

On May 6, our state passed 500 deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 12,900 citizens had tested positive. The death rate is 3.9%.

Even more telling was the striking difference in death rates between those 65 and older vs. those younger than 65. Of the 12,900 testing positive, 22% are 65 or older.

Among the deaths, 86% came in patients 65 and over, 1 in every 6.6. The younger group tells a different story: 70 of 10,062 younger North Carolinians with COVID-19 died, a strikingly lower death rate of 0.7%, 1 in every 144.

So when we reopen Phase 1, let’s support our businesses but continue to practice social distancing and mask-wearing. The difference in death rates noted above presents an opportunity to reopen our economy safely, but a responsibility to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Dr. Mark Graham, Cary

Opening too soon

Why would Gov. Roy Cooper allow so many businesses to reopen? Our state has not even reached its apex.

I had faith that the governor would follow the guidelines and wait for a 14-day decrease in coronavirus cases. This is such a disappointment. Cooper caved. I was hoping he’d put lives before the economy. My husband and I will be staying in.

All of our politicians seem to be pushing us toward herd immunity. The “common folk” will be risking their lives while the politicians take good care of themselves.

Laura Biegel, Clayton

Stimulus checks

I understand that a stimulus package is a blunt instrument. That’s explains why people like me, with reduced but sufficient income and savings to weather the pandemic, received a direct deposit based on IRS filings.

However, shortly after receiving the deposit, I got a letter from the White House over Donald Trump’s signature reminding me that I was in receipt of these funds. I want to know who paid for the printing on White House letterhead and postage? This seems like a tremendous waste of money. And why does the president know my income, but his is shielded from public view?

Adrienne Lallo, Pittsboro

Health insurance

Millions of Americans have applied for unemployment insurance. It’s safe to assume that many, if not most, of them also lost their employer provided health insurance when they lost their jobs. If this is not a compelling argument for universal health care I don’t know what is.

Ken Shugart, Pittsboro

Why I wear a mask

As an aerospace engineer in the early 1960s I wore a mask to avoid contaminating radiation detectors. As a medical student in the late ‘60s, I wore a mask to preserve my health and protect patients. In ‘70s I wore a mask to protect myself and my patients while training to become a neurological surgeon. For 25 years I wore a mask while treating patients in Ohio.

I wear a mask in my woodworking shop to protect my lungs.

Today, I wear a mask when I leave home to protect myself and protect others if I am unknowingly carrying an infectious condition. I wear a mask because I’m fortunate enough to like and respect others, be they friends or strangers. I want them to feel secure in my presence.

Why do I wear a mask? Because I can.

Dr. Arthur M. Gerber, Pittsboro

A song on my mind

Seeing how I am 92, my memory goes back quite a few years. I remember a song from World War II that I think would be apropos for the present time: “When the lights go on again (all over the world).” If it could be put out to the public, I’m sure our hearts would be lighter in this trying time. We gave up a lot here in the states gladly.

The closing stanza:

When the lights go on again all over the world

And the ships will sail again all over the world

Then we’ll have time for things like wedding rings and free hearts will sing

When the lights go on again all over the world

Jean Williams, Raleigh

This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 12:20 PM.