Be vigilant

All of us have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for almost a year. However, a lot of us have not been directly impacted by the pandemic except for the precautionary measures that we take. I had not known a person who contracted the disease, much less one who died. That changed for me recently. William C. Smith, of Montrose, Alabama, was a close personal friend for more than 50 years, and I was deer hunting on his property in mid-December. Today he is gone, a victim of the disease.

There is a lesson here. In spite of the grim daily statistics, I think it is easy and somewhat natural to become complacent about living with COVID-19, especially when you are routinely out and about, living your life, and getting by but still healthy. If you haven’t gotten it in almost a year, you are thinking, well then I am OK, and I probably won’t get it. And the vaccine is close as well. This complacency and some sense of false security is very dangerous. You cannot let your guard down. Now is the time to redouble your efforts to be safe until the vaccine is available and we can reduce the threat of the pandemic.

I am saddened by the loss of my dear friend. He was unfortunate not have enough time to survive the COVID-19 horror, but you can if you will be vigilant and follow the published guidelines.

Jim Cheek, Portsmouth

Anyone who is aware of the events at the Capitol on Wednesday should be appalled at this attack on democracy. Make no mistake about it: President Donald Trump started inciting his supporters prior to Election Day. Everyone who still supports Trump is as guilty as Trump’s “patriots” who participated. Only if we as Americans can recognize simple truth, and see and admit the damage Trump has wrought upon this country, can there be any hope for the survival of our democracy.

Jim Hamilton, Chesapeake