Publicity stunts don’t help
Salon reopening
Regarding “Abbott isn’t the savior, and Luther isn’t a victim,” (A17, May 9): I am writing because I respect the majority of salon owners who complied with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to close salons. Shelley Luther is not a modern day Joan of Arc as she is being hailed by some in the partisan press. Other salon owners, bar owners and shop owners complied with the law and lost revenue. She didn’t. Don’t praise her for endangering public health.
My husband is a physician at a very respected hospital in the Texas Medical Center. He is in the latter years of his career. We worry about his exposure to the virus. Sen. Ted Cruz and former Gov. Sarah Palin’s publicity stunts with Luther earlier in this week did nothing to slow the disease spread.
My salon, Shine on Heights, is complying with the governor’s original order. Even though they had the opportunity to reopen last Friday, they are postponing opening until the week of May 18. I admire and applaud the owners’ decision and dedication to my health and the health of the community. When Cruz traveled to Dallas for his haircut he belittled the efforts of all the law-abiding salon owners for a cheap publicity stunt and undermined the health of the state of Texas. Ruth Steinfeld Mott, Houston
In memoriam
Regarding “Comedian and ‘Seinfeld’ actor hit it big in his senior years,” (D2, May 12): I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Jerry Stiller. He’s given me a lot of laughs over the years. I loved him in “Seinfeld.” He was a legend. We will remember him always and forever. Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Back to work
Regarding “Houston catches flack in briefing,” (A1, May 8): It’s easy for journalists and politicians to stress the importance of getting back to work quickly. They can work from the safety of their living rooms. For dentists and hygienists who sit a foot away from their patients and produce aerosol clouds throughout their day; work during a pandemic is a life and death gamble. With Texans demanding the liberty to choose not to wear masks and not to keep safe distances from each other, my unease about returning to work will only increase. People with acute dental pain will flood hospitals when dentists stay home. Julia Pryzant, Houston