Sorry, dads, you are not wanted

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Manhattan: I read “Birth of a bad policy” (editorial, March 28) where The News Editorial Board argues that fathers should still be allowed in delivery rooms during the coronavirus shutdown. During this time of social distancing and overworked doctors and nurses, how does this make sense? You suggest that it would be a good thing in case “things go sideways.” Will they be handing the doctor a scalpel?

I was there when my granddaughter was born. I’m sure it was helpful that after I saw the head emerge, I finally allowed myself to faint. My best friend had her husband there for the birth of their first; he was banned by her (and grateful for it) from being in the delivery room for their second.

I suggest you not act like the man who lives in the White House and let the (overworked and devoted) professional health-care people make these decisions. To be transparent, I’m about to turn 70. None of my friends had their fathers in the delivery room when they were born. Our mothers didn’t know any other way. I agree that sometimes this makes childbirth more enjoyable, but these are times that call for everyone to make sacrifices. Assuming all goes well, the fathers can start bonding on day two. Anita Connair

Self-examination

Manhattan: They said the United States is the greatest country on Earth. They said that we have the greatest health care, the best hospitals, the most innovative biomedical economy that can almost magically cure the ills of humanity. What this pandemic has laid bare is that, at least in this gruesome moment in history, none of this is true. How can America be great if only the rich have access to the testing and care they need, while the common man and woman scramble for care in the face of neglect and incompetence? What has transpired in New York represents a failure of the federal government to be as generous and able as it purports to be. It is a betrayal of our fundamental notion of ourselves, and begs the question, is the United States a first-world country if it provides secondrate medical care to most of its citizens?

Pretty please

Daniel Dolgicer

Brooklyn: Fellow New Yorkers: Please don’t throw your used gloves on the ground. It is inappropriate and gross.

Sydney Norensberg

Can’t stop, won’t stop

New Paltz, N.Y.: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will appoint a special House committee to

investigate the response to the coronavirus pandemic. While people are dying, getting sick and losing their jobs, she can’t resist playing politics. Couldn’t she wait until things are getting back to normal? I think it is entirely appropriate that the Democrats have a jackass as their party’s symbol. Of course Nancy, being a female, is just an ass.

Listen up

John Habersberger

West Islip, L.I.: Donald Trump gave his State of the Union speech earlier this year. He made it very explicit that the virus in China was serious and life-threatening. Nancy Pelosi showed total disrespect for POTUS by standing behind him and shredding his speech. Did she listen? No. Because if she had, Pelosi and her friends in Congress might have done something to save the world.

In gratitude

Carmel Harrigan

Rockaway Park: I haven’t read or heard any tributes or thanks to the hundreds or maybe thousands of janitorial and maintenance workers who continue to provide service in both public and private buildings and developments across the city, state and country. A big thank you to each and every one of you!

Bobby Podmore

The Exterminator

Danbury, Conn.: Another group of individuals out in the field every day: pest control techs. We are in homes daily. Rodents, ants and other pests don’t stop because of COVID-19! The calls for service don’t stop and we go out not knowing if the next house we go into will have anyone contagious. We put on our gloves and booties, and make due with makeshift masks, saving good masks for the intrepid frontline staff at hospitals and other medical facilities. To all of the pest control techs working daily in the field I say: “Be safe, be smart and stay healthy.”

Mark A. Rinaldi

Time to shine

Brooklyn: The New York State Department of Labor has failed in response to the horde of claimants trying to file for unemployment benefits as a result of coronavirus layoffs. The system is overwhelmed. One would think that after 9/11 and the financial crisis of 2008, the DOL would have had been prepared to handle a situation tantamount to the current state of affairs. Unfortunately, and sadly for unemployed New Yorkers, the DOL is woefully unprepared.

William Thurlow

Mrs. Blaz

South Farmingdale, L.I.: “City needs help and fast: Blaz,” (March 28): There is absolutely no question in my mind that if New York City were a sinking ship with women and children lined up to board lifeboats, de Blasio would be on deck dressed like a woman with a wig, carrying a doll, and asking to board one of the lifeboats. First to leave!

Mike Pedano

Chopping block

Jacksonville: I absolutely agree with the New York City mayor (“BLAZ: Now not time to judge my job,” April 4): No, Mr. Mayor, it is not the time to “judge” you, it’s time to fire you! Your irresponsible and derelict decision to not close the New York City schools when the coronavirus first hit your city deemed you incapable of further performing in the city’s residents’ interest and wellbeing. Therefore, I declare you incompetent and ask you to resign! Do you even know how many millions you put at risk and the many infections that spread throughout the city because you did not close schools? Do you?

Carl J. C.-Hafner

Hello, darkness…

Rockaway Beach: I know it’s a mixed blessing in times like these, but has anyone noticed the sound of silence? No telemarketers are calling! Benchmark yesterday: Not one called, where formerly we were besieged on a daily basis. I know business is bad, and I’m sorry. Still, while we hunker in place, we are not being hectored, or maybe tortured is the right word. But, shh…don’t tell anyone….

Maureen McNelis

Make yourself useful

Manhattan: Trump had his days when the elderly on Social Security spent their hard-earned money at his unnecessary and “nonessential” slot machines and casinos. In this time of extreme crisis, uncertainty, and nationwide job loss, how about using these now closed and abandoned casinos as hospitals, fallout shelters, emergency rooms, nursing homes, animal shelters and even morgues? Trump casinos did nothing for the elderly or poor but make them waste their money needlessly. Let’s find a better use for them.

Ruth Martinez