Jordan needs concrete proposals to end pandemic
It is perhaps the easiest thing in the world to criticize everyone else without offering any solutions yourself. For example, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan has chosen to use his public platform as an antagonistic peanut gallery, muttering snide criticisms and complaints about the medical community's recommended response to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. The Twitter zingers keep coming, lashing out against these basic safety measures that are apparently the greatest threat to American freedom since King George III.
Any cynical troll with internet access can do what he's doing, but the people of his district elected him to do more — to do something. They elected him to develop balanced and effective solutions amid challenging circumstances. They elected him to be productive, proactive and empathetic on behalf of Ohio citizens. Is he content to merely grandstand and complain about other people who actually have ideas, or does he have any alternative suggestions of his own to offer?
Since Jordan finds the COVID-19 safety recommendations from infectious disease experts so laughable and offensively overreaching, how does he propose we should limit the spread of this disease to protect the vulnerable people and health care workers in our community? How does he believe we should avoid the mass sickness and hospitalization that threaten to close businesses and schools? Yes, it is heartbreaking to miss out on holidays and weddings we had planned this year, so how does he suggest we proceed while also protecting our health and economy?
I have a feeling his solution is to "do nothing," even though U.S. states like the Dakotas are now world leaders in infection and mortality rates thanks to the "do nothing" approach. Whatever Jordan's proposed solution may be, we won't know until he tells us. Is he willing to stop grumpy-tweeting and actually contribute some productive ideas to this mix? We're all ears.
Tony Auseon, Upper Arlington
Fitness centers present high risk of COVID-19
I disagree with Richard Lupton's Monday letter “Senior citizens statewide rely on fitness centers” that urged Gov. Mike Dewine not to close fitness centers as a means of helping stop Ohio's COVID-19 surge. He writes: "I am not aware that fitness centers are responsible for a high rate of the spread of the coronavirus."
A study released last week by researchers at Stanford University and Northwestern University found that gyms, along with restaurants and hotels, present a higher risk for spreading COVID-19 than other businesses. This is likely a reason the governor described gyms as among the locations "much more risky" for the virus's spread.
Moreover, Lupton said he is a member of Lifetime Fitness at Easton. I was a member there for many years until leaving in July because of the club's refusal to follow the statewide mask mandate.
Although the mandate contains an exception for persons who are exercising, the governor's spokesman publicly explained in July that it applies only to those who are actively exercising. He said people in fitness centers should wear masks at all other times, including "when walking between machines."
Lifetime Fitness has consistently refused to follow that direction. A senior citizen who is displeased with the situation but still a member there said recently the club continues having "throngs of folks not wearing masks."
Many fitness center owners and members have contributed to Ohio's current COVID-19 spike by flouting the statewide mask mandate. If their workout facilities soon have to close because of the surge, it's hard to feel sorry for them after they foolishly and selfishly helped create the problem.
Joseph Sommer, Columbus
I respond to the Tuesday letter “Maybe state should pay families a death benefit” from Richard Bailey. I can't tell if he is being serious or sarcastic. If he is being serious, this is the most ridiculous letter I have ever read in The Dispatch, and there have been some doozies.
Will a $10,000 death benefit really help a family that has lost a loved one to this horrible disease? And what about prevention? Further, the medical expenses of those who have survived COVID-19 can be way more than a $10,000 death benefit, for which a survivor would not be eligible.
My only reaction is one of bewilderment and exasperation.
Marc Neiwirth, Bexley
President doesn’t have best interests of US at heart
I can stand it no longer. The primary job of the POTUS is to protect and defend "we, the people."
But Donald Trump refusing to admit that he lost the election is too much.
This denial goes to block all efforts to transition to a new federal government, thereby recklessly endangering the people as to national security, the pandemic, the environment, and on and on. Our beloved democracy is suffering.
"We, the people" want to begin to mend. Let go, Mr. President.
Bill Vangieson, Westerville
Was putting value on human life callous or cynical?
Iwas shocked that, in his Tuesday letter “Maybe state should pay families a death benefit,” Richard Bailey suggested that we abandon all preventive measures for COVID-19 for the sake of the economy.
More appalling is that he thinks a human life is valued at only $10,000. No amount of money could replace the loss of a spouse/parent/child.
Diane Larick, Powell