It’s clear that Sen. Burr’s loyalties lie with Trump, not with his NC constituents

Sen. Burr should resign immediately

Regarding “Burr issued dire warnings about coronavirus to small group,” (March 19):

Sen. Richard Burr was aware of the potential dire results of the pandemic weeks ago. Instead of sharing this critical information with his constituents, who are the reason he is in office, he chose to share only with a “pay-for-access” group.

This occurred at the same time the president was saying there was nothing to worry about. That tells me everything I need to know about where Burr’s loyalty lies.

Burr may be telling himself that a couple of weeks would not have mattered that much. All evidence indicates a couple of weeks would have made a great deal of difference to many people.

If Burr wants to do the right thing, he should resign and allow the governor to appoint someone who has the courage to lead this great state through what will be very difficult times.

Ann W. Hodges, Charlotte

Relief package is the right move

The Trump administration is considering a $1 trillion program that would put cash into the hands of every American. During these dire times I believe that just may be the right thing to do. We’ve never faced anything even remotely close to this situation. I’m glad that our leaders realize that tough times require tough action.

While I totally support this idea, it’s very interesting to see how quickly the administration and many Republicans in Congress have embraced what is clearly socialism to help each and every citizen to get through this crisis. Maybe big government isn’t as bad as everyone thought.

Jack Matthews, Charlotte

NC senators must push for relief

The coronavirus is going to put millions of people out of work and cause countless people to lose everything they have. People who rely on tips, small business owners, contractors, and other independent workers need to be protected just like more traditional employees.

Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis need to do everything they can to pass some kind of relief package that will protect all citizens from eviction, foreclosure, bankruptcy, utility shut-offs, poverty, starvation, and all manner of catastrophes that will result from months of a nationwide shutdown.

Cynthia Sites-Wooley, Charlotte

Advice for fellow college students

You would think that people under near quarantine would be smart about their choices in regards to travel. Being a college student at UNC Charlotte, I expect most of my peers to respect the plans of the CDC and attempt to self-quarantine.

Instead, I have multiple friends attempting to take advantage of cheap flights and travel and getting themselves “quarantined” in places like Costa Rica.

I get that being young and poor, this is the first real attempt many of us have at being able to afford travel, especially air travel, but please think of your community and the elders who are at a greater risk than you.

Cody Hill, Charlotte

Closing restaurants was reactionary

The closing of restaurants is a stupid and reactionary decision. Bars where people are elbow to elbow, yes, but restaurant tables can be easily 6-feet apart. These governors are costing thousands of people to be out of work.

Jim Esposito, Mooresville

Rethink that shelter in place order

Regarding “Mecklenburg health director considers ‘shelter in place’ order. Does she have the power?” (March 19):

Order folks over age 65 to shelter in place not everyone. Don’t crash the economy over this!

Rick Poe, Charlotte

Now’s the time to work together

The politicians and talking heads need to stop blaming each other and the federal government. The governor of New York, the mayor of New York City, and others are saying the federal government should have acted sooner. Maybe they should have, that’s hindsight.

New York could have enacted restrictions at the first signs of the outbreak. Why didn’t they? Panic? That’s what we have now, emptying store shelves.

Everyone, we have to work together to get through this.

Bill Lane, Polkville

Trump must stop calling this ‘China flu’

We are in unprecedented times as the virus spreads worldwide. We all need to support each other emotionally as we are quarantined to protect our health and that of others.

This is not the time to be divisive and disruptive by name-calling. President Trump calls the pandemic the “China Virus.” This type of rhetoric is unnecessary. Mr. Trump, the proper name is COVID-19. If you can’t remember all those letters, just call it the virus. Our Asian neighbors would appreciate it.

Lucy Grasty, Charlotte

This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 4:45 PM.