‘Unchecked executive power?’ That’s certainly not what I see from Gov. Roy Cooper

Sen. Warren Daniel

Regarding “Federal judge blocks NC governor’s restrictions on religious services,” (May 16):

Republican state Sen. Warren Daniel said of the judge’s ruling: “Hopefully, this decision will put some guardrails on what has been unchecked executive power.” The irony in that statement is astounding.

Gov. Roy Cooper has offered reasoned, transparent, compassionate, and responsible governance in a time of crisis for our state. He has made hard and sometimes unpopular decisions using the best expert advice available at the time. I would encourage Daniel to compare the quality of Cooper’s leadership with that at the highest national level of the Republican Party for a multitude of examples of the need for guardrails to limit unchecked executive power.

Doug Jennette, Raleigh

Love thy neighbor

Believe me, I understand the desire to return to face to face community worship. As strong as this desire is, it provides a real challenge to the safety of others and to our common commitment to “love our neighbors.”

It can lead to the spread of this deadly virus. It is clear that the health and government officials know that when we come together in groups, we risk endangering ourselves and our neighbors. We need to follow the guidelines. It is not only about the risk to your congregation, but also your surrounding community.

This is a great opportunity to let our neighbors know that we care about them — and are willing to demonstrated sacrificial love on their behalf. Let’s work together for safety and well being to build a stronger community.

The Rev. Joe Harvard, Durham

Raleigh protests

A message for non-masked protesters: Please stop talking about your your inalienable rights. Your right to smoke stops when your second-hand smoke harms someone else. Your right to yell “Fire!” stops in a crowded theater. Your right to freely swing your fist stops at my nose.

Yes, we do have inalienable rights but they never extend to the point where others around us are threatened or harmed. We all are suffering under this disease cloud, but social distance and masking behavior is critical to hold COVID-19 at bay until testing, cures and vaccines defeat it. That’s a hard truth to accept, but truth nonetheless. Let’s reopen smartly and responsibly.

Gino Pazzaglini, Raleigh

Leave guns at home

Peaceful protesting is one of the most cherished rights we Americans have. I support it wholeheartedly. But protesters who want to reopen NC must reflect their knowledge of what it will take to do that during a pandemic. It will take all of us wearing face coverings to protect whomever we come in contact with. It will take physical distancing, and hand washing/sanitizing.

Think of the positive impact a protest would have if all protesters showed up wearing masks, handing out sanitizer, and socially distanced. How powerful would signs like “We can support science and reopen” or “We can combat this together” be?

We can stand together while standing apart. And leave the guns at home, they don’t help combat the pandemic. Let’s stick to the issue.

Bonnie Wisler, Durham

NC beaches

Forget the churches, two dozen in attendance at one service when it should be 10 is low when compared to what is going at our North Carolina beaches.

With the cold weather gone, many people weary of confinement, and the beaches now open, North Carolinians have headed there. Our beaches are crowded with folks out for sun and fun - and forgetful of social distance.

Last weekend lines of cars were waiting their turn to cross the bridge onto Emerald Isle.

I hope Memorial Day weekend beach time does not include the take-home souvenir of COVID-19.

Deborah Brogden, Raleigh

President Trump

Regarding “Despite risks, Trump says he’s taking hydroxychloroquine,” (May 19):

So, our president is taking a potentially dangerous drug that shows no evidence of preventing a virus he claimed was a hoax that would magically disappear in April.

Is anyone still not sure he’s unfit to lead our country?

Mark Slattery, Raleigh

At the threshold

Humanity stands at a threshold, prodded by a global pandemic into considering the flawed world we want to leave behind and the more loving world we are responsible for creating. Peril and opportunity have been presented by a representative from Mother Nature, a microorganism that has forced the world to its knees, reminding us that we, too, are minuscule in the great scheme of things, and we, too, are capable of surpassing harm. We’re also capable of surpassing good.

We stand in this threshold with COVID-19 and look Mother Earth in the eye. “Which will it be?,” she asks.

Margaret Toman, Garner