Leading COVID-19 response
Global solutions
Regarding “‘Coming back and biting us’: U.S. sees virus resurgence,” ( June 24): As COVID-19 continues to rise in the U.S., in Texas especially, it is important for us to not become complacent. We are still facing a very real problem both here in the U.S. and around the world.
That is why I think it is especially important for the U.S. to pass the Global Health Security Act, a bipartisan bill that invests in pandemic responses, both for COVID-19 and the future, so we will be prepared and not suffer the loss of life we did this time. It will create a permanent position to oversee this initiative. As a country with ample resources and power, the U.S. is in a position to help in this way instead of taking a backseat and withdrawing, which hasn’t even helped the U.S.
This is not a time to retreat from the global community, to pass blame and continue in petty partisan struggles; rather, it is time to collaborate and support each other. We need to be prepared, informed and connected against this pandemic and any in the future. Zoe Padelopoulos, Katy
Many people see the damage that COVID-19 is doing in the United States and believe that the disease is destroying our country. However, in countries such as South Sudan, which has a population of roughly 11 million people and only four ventilators total, the situation is more dire than any American could ever imagine.
That is why, as a global superpower, we need to do our part to encourage our Congress to provide at least $12 billion in the next emergency supplemental for the International Affairs Budget to fight COVID-19 internationally. Supporting this will not only help impoverished nations keep their citizens from dying but will also encourage the health and prosperity of all Americans.
That is why I am urging Ted Cruz and John Cornyn to support this emergency COVID-19 relief funding during the next emergency supplemental. It is our duty to our fellow humans to help them if we can and have the power to do so. When the world prospers, so does our country. Paige Musgrave, Spring
Voting by mail
Regarding “U.S. Supreme Court should clear way for expanding vote by mail in Texas,” ( June 26): The coronavirus is not going away anytime soon, especially if we continue to have responses from people like President Donald Trump, who has decided to ignore it because he’s in campaign mode, and Gov. Greg Abbott, who wants credit from the business community but undercuts local authorities who are trying to contain it. Because the virus is a clear and present danger, all Texas registered voters should be allowed to vote by mail in the general election, regardless of their age or health status. Mail ballots are safe and have a paper trail. Not allowing it on a statewide basis is just another form of voter suppression. Barbara Quattro, Houston Correction: An op-ed published Friday stated that Crystal Mason is serving five years in prison for a 2016 voting mistake. She was convicted, but is out on bond while on appeal.
BIBLE VERSE
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28