Vaccinations: A responsibility, not an imposition
Editor: To the letter writer that asserted than the decision to get a COVID vaccine should be strictly between the individual and their doctor is a lot like saying that driving drunk should be a decision strictly between the drinker and their bartender.
We limit the freedom of drivers to operate their vehicle when drunk because it poses a demonstrable hazard to other people. At this stage of the pandemic, unvaccinated individuals are the vector that allow the virus to remain in circulation.
To date, COVID has infected a little over 10% (over 34 million infections) of the U.S. population and has killed a little less than 2% of those infected (over 600,000 deaths). In comparison, drunk driving leads to approximately 10,000 deaths annually. In fairness, if you have a medical condition such that your doctor would advise you to remain unvaccinated then it would be advisable to do so.
But let's be clear, getting vaccinated is an issue of our responsibility to our fellow Americans rather than an imposition on our personal liberty.
DON STRACHAN
Lodi
Thanks to Grace & Mercy for stepping up
Editor: I want to thank Grace & Mercy for stepping in to help anyone with food insecurities. The federally funded Great Plates program was instrumental in keeping restaurants open, people employed seniors fed and COVID numbers down in a vulnerable population.
Grace & Mercy has stepped up to fill this void. Let this selfless act of goodness inspire one and all, that each of us has a responsibility to our community now more than ever.
JAMI MONDAY
Lodi
Probe can help right the wrongs
Editor: Testimony before the Congressional committee probing the causes and consequences of the Jan. 6, 2021 riot in Washington, D.C., reveal not only horrific details of mayhem and murder, but also the role of former President Donald J. Trump as instigator of the assault, and the perpetration of treason.
Federal prosecutors might consider seeking indictment of Trump for multiple crimes, from incitement to riot, assault on federal officers, accessory to murder, and treason.
Even the former chief executive officer’s most ardent defenders now must admit that Trump is one of the most maligned figures in American history. Only the worst of Confederate officers in the American Civil War match Trump's transgression — such as Nathan Bedford Forrest, founder of the Ku Klux Klan.
The hearings may help restore the United States' global reputation as a nation of laws. Perhaps the hearings will encourage the people of Cuba to replace its communist regime with one founded on the rule of the people ... and China's masters may be discomforted, too.
What took place on that horrific day must not occur again. Besides vigorous prosecution of the miscreants and their leaders, D.C. police, federal law enforcement elements and regional public safety services need adequate funding, and legislative action to impose stiffer penalties for such insurrection participants.
Rampant corruption, conflicts of interest, and a steady stream of lies during the Trump regime stained America's good name. The hearings may help wipe that foul consequence away.
LANGE WINCKLER
Lodi
Letters invited
The Lodi News-Sentinel welcomes opinions from its readers. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s address and phone number for internal verification purposes. All letters are subject to editing. Letters from local readers dealing with local issues are given priority. Letters from outside the local area are published at the editor’s discretion. Letters longer than 350 words will be cut to fit or returned to their writers. There is a holding period of 30 days between publication of letters by the same person unless no other letters are queued. Send letters to letters@lodinews.com.