Coronavirus put the US at an economic precipice. Trump is working to avoid a collapse.

Trump is trying to avoid a crash

Regarding “No one picked winners and losers.” (May 17 Forum):

There is no template for this pandemic. With this months-long pause on our economy many businesses will not come back. We are at a precipice and President Trump and his team of medical and economic experts must thread a camel through the eye of a needle.

A crashed economy would bring suicides, mass unemployment, business failures, mental illnesses, foreclosures, evictions, drug and alcohol abuse - just to lay out a picture of what hell on earth would look like.

Businesses deemed “non-essential” in this Forum writer’s eyes are essential to the business owner and employees who are counting on a paycheck. The cure for COVID-19 cannot be worse than COVID-19.

Robert Cassell Jr., Charlotte

Charlotte should’ve said ‘no’ to RNC

In response to “In 100 days, Charlotte has a chance to show its character,” (May 16 Opinion):

Donald Trump is a crass man who has done nothing since taking office other than cater to the rich and wealthy, enable rampant corruption and cronyism in the executive branch, and declare war on the poor, downtrodden, and marginalized members of our society, all while refusing to be held accountable or responsible in any way.

Sorry, John Lassiter, the time for Charlotte to show its character won’t be 100 days from now - it was actually two years ago when we had the chance to say “no” to the RNC.

Michael Tye, Charlotte

RNC participants will spread virus

As you know, the Republican National Convention is scheduled for the Spectrum Center in Charlotte starting Aug. 24 - just a few days after the Democratic Party Convention in Wisconsin. It’s looking like many Democrats may attend mostly from afar. In contrast, expect the Republicans to throw a party in Charlotte and return to cities and towns across America with COVID-19. They will Make America Sick Again.

Gary Wesley, Mountainview, Calif.

Offer an incentive to return to work

Opening up our economy cannot be overstated. I see an opportunity for government to offer an incentive to return to work. A Personnel Protection Program should be enacted whereby employees who return to work are entitled to a year of subsidized health insurance for all family members for testing and treatment for COVID-19 related/caused illness.

The program should cover costs related to periodic testing for COVID-19 for one year. PPE should be guaranteed on request, or as required by the job, for one year. The program should supplement the business for employee “hazard pay” for the first six months.

This is the kind of trade-off people need to help offset the risk of exposure to this dreaded disease.

Charles Chandek, Cornelius

What mask message are you sending?

Regarding “Coronavirus in Charlotte: Are people wearing masks in stores?” (May 14):

I am not sure why so many members of this community refuse to wear a mask when in public. They seem to imply “No one is going to tell me what to do.”

The mask is not about you. It has been proven that wearing face masks can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing one is a statement of respect: “I do not want to see another person infected with COVID. I care about others.”

What does not wearing a mask mean? I hope you’ll ponder that.

Marybeth Walker, Salisbury

Don’t waste tests on MLB, other athletes

I am absolutely nauseated by Major League Baseball’s plan - and those of other national sport organizations - to reopen with the use of countless COVID-19 tests to make sure players are OK. I am a lifelong baseball and football fan, but I don’t give a flying fig if they are OK to play in an empty stadium.

As long as this administration can’t get testing under control, I prefer that people who work on front lines have access to testing - health care workers, people who help make sure we have food on our tables, and the countless millions who help us lead our normal lives. These people and their families make America the greatest country on earth.

Michael Ernandes, Charlotte

Give CMS grads what they deserve

The CMS seniors deserve a graduation they’ll never forget. Hold ceremonies at Bank of America Stadium - plenty of room for social distancing. Graduates could circle the field 6 feet apart and advance as names are called. Diplomas would be placed on a table on stage before each student approaches. They pick it up, their name is called, and their displayed on the jumbotron.

High school graduation is a big milestone in their lives. Make it something they’ll remember.

Kay Pruitt, Charlotte