On coronavirus, knowledge is power. No one is trying to scare people.

On COVID-19, knowledge is power

Regarding “Stop scaring people, risk of death is low,” (April 28 Forum):

Knowledge is power. How is informing citizens about what scientists know about COVID-19 scaring them?

I’m an avid runner, tennis player, kick-boxer, and I work for an essential business. While it’s unlikely I would die from COVID-19, it’s likely I could asymptomatically spread the virus to those it could kill.

What’s frightening is misguided people who clearly don’t realize uncontrolled spread will be far more devastating to the economy and their 401Ks than the low mortality rate. Until we have a vaccine, the death rate that’s so low right now - along with the infection rate - will likely increase significantly if we prematurely rush back to “normal” too soon.

Sham Ostapko, Huntersville

Puzzled by NC restaurant rules

I have a problem understanding why restaurants cannot open their patio seating if the tables are a minimum of 6 feet apart.

I have two outside seating areas at one of my restaurants. During take-out I have between one and four patrons ask if they can sit at the outside area. It is a chance for couples or small families to get out in the fresh air and feel rejuvenated, instead of having to go back home and sit inside.

It is probably safer then the hundreds of people walking around in Walmart.

Phil Levine, Charlotte

Skip the in-person RNC and DNC

Regarding “Charlotte City Council accepts RNC grant despite COVID-19” (April 28):

Why do we need the 2020 DNC and RNC conventions during the COVID-19 nightmare?

The presidential candidates are selected. President Trump will make a speech and the next day accuse the press of misquoting him, and Republicans leaders will attempt damage control.

Joe Biden will deliver a leaden speech; he lacks the charisma to bring crowds to their feet. The only excitement at the DNC will be when he names his running mate.

Each party’s platform would be crafted, as always, by leaders in backrooms. It could then be posted online for the delegates to vote on. Money is saved by both parties and no chance of spreading COVID-19.

Augie Beasley, Charlotte

In defining abortion, it is what it is

Regarding “Using language to distort the facts,” (April 28 Forum):

The Forum writer states that “...embryos and fetuses are aborted, babies are not.” Human life goes through many stages beginning at conception. The developing baby is first called an embryo and then a fetus at a later stage of development. The unborn baby later becomes a born baby. The baby becomes a child, teenager, young adult, middle-aged adult, elderly adult, etc. Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, i.e. a developing baby. It is what it is.

Mark Slaven, Charlotte

I marvel at the White House spin

White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley told the Washington Post “President Trump rose to fight this crisis head-on by taking early, aggressive historic action to protect the health, wealth and well-being of the American people.”

So much gas-lighting and fibbing by an administration! Trump has lost credibility with his pandemic response and rally-esque briefings with petty rants, attacks and boasts. It has now been reported that he ignored more than a dozen Intelligence briefings from January and February warning of grave economic and health consequences.

Knowing all that, I marvel at the “spin” response from Gidley.

Chip Potts, Mooresville

Cuomo is a better pick than Biden

If Joe Biden had the interest of this country at heart he would step aside and recruit New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to run. He would win hands down. He is a moderate, he’s sensible, and he’s articulate. Just what we need.

Elizabeth R. Warren, Charlotte

Postal service must be run profitably

Regarding “Trump: Postal Service must charge Amazon more, or no loan,” (April 24):

We must retain the U.S. Postal Service. However, it is highly mismanaged and has been for a very long time.

During the holidays, it is not unusual to go into a local office to find only one clerk available and a line out the door. Where is the station manager?

In my experience, it’s not unusual to need a roll of stamps only to find “we are out of rolls of stamps.” And, you often see a lot of equipment lined up behind stations, including 45-foot trailers that never seem to move. Use them or sell them!

We need the USPS, but we also need it to be run like any other profitable business.

C.C. Ryder, Charlotte

This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 2:01 PM.