Members of the crew Rise above divisions Decision disappointed

In 1965, New York City experienced a blackout that thrust millions into sudden darkness. That crisis is best remembered for the grace with which ordinary citizens took on the challenge. Some people walked into the middle of busy intersections to direct traffic during rush hour. Apartment dwellers stationed themselves in stairways, armed with flashlights, to help neighbors cope with the sudden lack of elevators. In 1977, New Yorkers faced a similar challenge, but the predominant stories were of violence and looting. Nobody seemed to be helping anyone else. It was as though 1965 was a visit from the Tooth Fairy while 1977 was a root canal without anesthesia.

Today, we are facing a far more serious challenge with covid-19. We have seen both positive and negative responses from our political leaders, but how will individuals react? The press has been filled with stories of hoarding food and supplies, as well as the subsequent price-gouging.

At the same time, there are examples of courage and self-sacrifice. There are all the medical front-liners who could beg off to protect themselves and their loved ones. Yet they keep coming to work as more and more of their co-workers are infected by the virus. There have been calls inviting retired medical personnel to return to the battle zone, and tens of thousands responded. Volunteers have come forward to assist with medical and social service activities.

A fourth-grader had sewed 24 face masks by the time her story was reported, and who knows how many she’s done since then. Others are sewing masks and protective gowns. I’m sure you have seen stories of countless companies stepping forward to support the effort, but each of those commercial efforts was the result of individuals.

For some elderly and unhealthy people, their best contribution is to home-shelter diligently so as to avoid further burdening medical facilities. There is no end of possibilities for enlisting in the fight, and no end of individuals willing to take up the challenge. As Bucky Fuller used to say, “On Spaceship Earth, we are all members of the crew.”

EARL BABBIE

Hot Springs Village

In pondering the coronavirus pandemic that we are working through, I am questioning what unity really is. Some want to blame Trump for poor response, and most of those have been blaming him since January of 2017. On the other hand, some defend and take up for Trump no matter what.

Will our nation rise above the red and blue division and everyone get behind our current task force so we can become a country of red, white, and blue united? We need to listen to each other and maybe spend our time working in the yard or reading mystery novels instead of spending all day reading or watching opinion shows of only people we agree with.

JOE FINLEY

Fordyce

I read Professor Preston Jones’ column of March 27 with amazement at his callous disregard of human life, especially that of the elderly and infirm. Those opinions belong in a different place, in a different time. It’s acceptable to give life to them in your Voices section, but I’m disappointed in your decision to air them in the “Guest Writer” section.

SARKIS NAZARIAN

Little Rock