Letters: Coronavirus, wind turbines, Medicare and more | April 2

Remember thanks for all our helpers

These are tough times for most of us. Americans are strong, and just like after 9/11 we will recover. In the meantime, we need to follow the restrictions that are being asked of us. There are so many people making positive impacts on us behind the scenes. Please tell them “Thank You” when you can — the medical personnel and first responders are on the front lines and doing a miraculous jobs; our mail deliverers (UPS, Fed Ex. regular mail); the truckers that keep our food supplies going; the grocery stores that continue to put up with the madness; the pharmacies, banks, gas stations, police, and neighbors that are helping their neighbors. I’m sure I’ve missed some, but a HUGE Thank You to all of you.

I do have 2 other suggestions. Just as during 9/11, let’s display the American Flag and last, but definitely not least, let’s get God back in our lives.

Wind turbines mar scenic skylines

With regard to the guest opinion by Barry Bush published on March 8 and titled, “Tri-Citians must stand up to wind turbine plan:”

It is refreshing and energizing to hear from people like Benton PUD Commissioner Barry Bush, a knowledgeable and experienced energy professional, about the true motivation of outsiders who push for “clean energy” projects such as the proposed installation of over 200 wind turbines along a 24-mile stretch of the Horse Heaven Hills skyline. I strongly believe that there is a silent majority of Americans who, like me, are becoming increasingly disturbed with these types of energy projects that, factually, are not the best energy source options in consideration of clean, sustainable and environmentally friendly qualities.

I am dismayed with the thought that another beautiful skyline may be polluted by 500-foot-tall wind turbines that cannot provide significant baseline demand power, kill birds, raise our energy costs and are just plain ugly. Being a first-time writer of a Letter to the Editor, my motivation is to encourage and persuade others to become proactive by making your voice heard on these and other matters we believe in. A simple first step is to follow Mr. Bush’s advice: “… call Benton County commissioners and let them know that you are opposed to this new project and will vote accordingly in November.”

What is essential in Coronavirus?

My husband has COPD. I need to understand why his employer is saying they are essential. Also, feel like the cases of masks they recently recieved should be going to hospital! Do your part, people!!

Health in the time of Coronavirus

School closings, sports event cancellations, food hoarding... We live in a new Coronavirus-induced world. Yet some personal health facts remain unchanged.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer good advice for preventing community spread and personal infection: apply social distancing, sanitize surfaces, wash your hands, don’t touch your face. But, there’s more ….

Does anyone wonder why uncounted numbers of infected people develop no symptoms and only 20 percent of symptomatic people require hospitalization? It’s because they have an effective immune system able to fight off the virus. But the CDC does not talk about that, perhaps for fear of offending powerful animal food industries.

Fortunately, good advice on boosting our immune system is readily available on the internet from trusted sources like WebMD and Healthline. And the advice is always the same:

• Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and leafy greens.

• Refrain from dairy, other fatty animal products and sugar-laden foods.

• Maintain daily exercise of 30-60 minutes.

• Minimize your stress level and get adequate sleep.

Did I mention that this advice works great for all other nasty bugs as well?

Letter right about Medicare for All

Thank you, Earl Martin; in your 3/19/20 letter you inadvertently explained how “Medicare For All” would work.

As you explained, you take basic Medicare and purchase one of the many supplemental plans to cover the charges basic Medicare does not cover. Bravo! You take Medicare and keep the insurance companies in business. The net effect for your family is you pay next to nothing for medical services.

My wife is just about to enter the Medicare coverage and we are thrilled. Yes, we too will buy a supplemental plan to cover the other costs, but at less than a third of our current cost for equivalent (actually better) coverage. We could also choose a plan for less than half our current cost that covers almost everything. Doctors? All of our doctors take Medicare and whatever supplemental plan.

The alternative? We have seen our basic medical insurance increase 30% as the Republicans try to erase Obamacare and have concerns that courts will decide whether pre-existing conditions may be added back into the programs. I am hopeful that I can last the next few years until I am eligible for Medicare.

Medicare For All with the supplemental plans works now for millions.

Social distancing on park pathways

Is it becoming difficult to practice social distancing at Richland parks? Leslie Groves, Howard Amon and Columbia Point park paths are getting crowded.

I’m a walker and bike rider of these wonderful parks. In the last week, they’ve become busier as you can expect. Spring has sprung, and it’s a pleasant diversion to get outside by the river.

Leslie Groves is my favorite. The separate walking and bike paths allow less traffic and safety for those two modes. One observation is there are more bikes on the walking path of late. I figure they’re newcomers and don’t know any better.

Howard Amon is more aesthetic because you’re on the river, but the path is basically shared, so you must use your eyes and ears to alert you to bikes, skateboards, scooters and dogs. You can bike ride on the Amon Park Drive but that has car hazards.

Columbia Point is on the river and marina. Even with the shuttered restaurants, it’s still very pleasant. But the path is totally shared. Bikes, boards and alike zip around, and there’s no physical distancing.

So, my alternative. I started walking the streets by my North Richland home. Yesterday I veered away from two people.

Nonessential list has deep flaws

Look at Gov. Jay Inslee’s list of essential workers. Per his 19-page list every occupation is listed. What happens when your employer sends you home for two weeks, or worse, lays you off? Then come to find out your occupation is on his list so you should have been working all along and there is no compensation for his statewide (stay at home order). It’s also kind of sleezy that you have to click on an additional link to see who are classified as essential workers. Maybe it would be nice to have his list in print so everyone can see where they stand (or) better yet, a list of the occupations he so deems not essential. That list would take less space and ink.

This story was originally published April 2, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Letters: Coronavirus, wind turbines, Medicare and more | April 2."