Protesters don’t seem to care if coronavirus kills me

Protesters risk lives like mine

In 1941 when Pearl Harbor plunged the U.S. into World War II, I was 6 years old. But I knew there were things I could do to help our front-line heroes.

My buddies and I combed empty lots and dumps for iron, aluminum, old newspapers, anything of strategic value. We wore shoes patched with cardboard because combat boots were more important. No sugar. No butter. Very little meat. We tended our victory gardens.

Our nation is under attack again. We’ve been asked to suspend our normal activities, maybe for four or five months. Protesters are demanding restrictions be lifted. Failing widespread reliable testing there is great uncertainty among scientists whether it would be wise to go back to “normal’ yet.

As a member of an age group highly susceptible to COVID-19, I’m disappointed that some in this generation don’t care if it kills me.

David Loughran, Indian Trail

So what’s Zane’s plan? He offers none.

J. Peder Zane’s April 21 column suffers from the same fatal flaw I see in every call to “re-open” the economy: He criticizes current policies, but doesn’t provide any evidence to support a different course. Estimates of COVID-19 cases from Gov. Roy Cooper’s office may have been 7% too high, but Zane offers no alternative medical models, no specific proposals. His only argument seems to be: “This is hard, let’s do something different.” He is a man standing in the pouring rain who wants to throw away his umbrella because his shoes are getting splashed.

James Bolin, Charlotte

Use MLS money to help restaurants

Charlotte’s mayor wants to keep MLS on track despite a pandemic (April 17). Why not give, say, $50,000 of the “entertainment” money to each restaurant suffering through the COVID-19 crisis? I’m fairly sure that billionaire David Tepper could scrape together some additional funds for his soccer team - if the mayor and city council decided to support thousands of local Charlotte workers versus one billionaire.

Terry Keith, Charlotte

Cancer patients need lawmakers’ help

Now more than ever, it’s imperative for immunocompromised cancer patients to avoid high-risk medical facilities. They need access to chemotherapy treatments from the safety of their homes.

Oral medications can be the preferred treatment and at times the only option for patients to take at home. Yet, North Carolina is one of six states without an Oral Chemotherapy Fairness Law.

As a cancer survivor and American Cancer Society volunteer, I urge the legislature to pass House Bill 480, making patients’ out-of-pocket cost for oral chemotherapy comparable to intravenous chemo. Provide this vulnerable population with some much-needed peace of mind during this incredibly unnerving time.

DonnaMarie Woodson, Charlotte

Duke Energy must release details

Thankfully, the Utilities Commission and Gov. Roy Cooper ordered a temporary delay of utility service cutoffs. Meanwhile, disputes over Duke Energy’s request to increase its rates continue. On March 25, after the Commission’s Public Staff exposed wrongdoing, Duke agreed to delete $2.2 million in lobbying charges and millions more for executive pay, airplane travel, board of director expenses, and other improper costs it wanted customers to pay. Shame on Duke for trying to steal customers’ money.

Ironically, next month Duke holds its annual stockholders meeting (via Internet) and it is opposing stockholder resolutions to require detailed publication of its lobbying and political spending. Duke releases some of this info, but many stockholders aren’t satisfied – and customers rightfully worry they wind up paying the bill.

Bob Hall, Durham

Former director, Democracy North Carolina

It’s Earth Day. Let’s work together.

COVID-19 coincides with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Amidst the suffering, we are learning that we can change our behavior to protect our health and the environment. Fewer people are, driving, flying and commuting. More are gardening and eating local. These changes in behavior could secure greater future sustainability.

The dramatic rise in online meetings has increased efficiency. We know more about learning and worshiping online that could benefit many more people, increasing opportunity while reducing future poverty. Biking and walking have been rediscovered for transportation. We can decrease cars within urban spaces and give priority to safe biking/walking.

Let’s dream, work together, and demand action for an Earth-sustainable economy as our preferred future.

Alice S. Ammerman, Chapel Hill