Letters: Coronavirus, state officials and more | June 5

Government now is spying on us

Well, here we are: The government (is) hiring people to “spy” on people who don’t conform and report them to the government. It sounds to me like the situation that was (or is) in the Soviet Union 15 and 20 years ago.

We are beholden to the government — no longer free. This “faked up” isolation thing, that is supposed to protect us, is being overdone and to those who bask in this new power that they think has been given to them. Governors have suddenly become dictators.

As a nation, it seems a lot (or most) of people are living in a state of fear: as more is learned, this “Corona” appears to be no more serious than what has been called the common flu. This “state of fear” has been initiated and is supported by the doctors who use the airways to keep telling us “how dangerous” it is. Common sanitary practices seem to be the best way to “stay safe” and keep from spreading the virus (or) viruses.

A high percentage of those who contract the disease recover (98% has been reported) probably about the same as for the “common flu,” maybe better. Yes, we stay at home — wear face masks, wash hands, and distance.

Why no story on Zachrias death?

Why has the media not covered the passing and funeral of Ravi Zacharias? His ministry was worldwide and a blessing to many.

Clean air and herbs

This coronavirus is something else. There is no such thing as fresh air any more. I feel this virus is man-made and from another country and we are at war with this. If you have dust in your house, you are not safe. Get the best air filter you can. I got mine and I also got an all-house humidifier to help clean the air. It helps. I also take some of the old herbs like elderberry, olive leaf extract, echinacea extract, golden seal and eucalyptus. I am 89 years old! I hope this virus goes away.

Some are ready to sacrifice others

In 1948, Shirley Jackson wrote a short story called “The Lottery.” It told of a ritual lottery held in a small town to ensure a good corn crop. Published in the New Yorker Magazine, the story caused great consternation at the time, because the lottery was actually a means of selecting a human sacrifice from among the townspeople.

Fast forward some 70-odd years to early 2020. Citizens are struggling with a pandemic and their struggle takes many forms: social isolation, loss of income, shortages of certain items, disruption of business, illness and death. With no end in sight, many are clamoring for an “opening of the economy“ without understanding its implications.

Some go so far as to advocate ignoring the likelihood of disease transmission and its dire effects, especially on the aged, the infirm and the immunocompromised. Like the villagers in “The Lottery” who suppose their interests are served by business as usual, there are some in our communities who cavalierly dismiss the welfare of others.

The “prime directive” of every spiritual tradition is some variation of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” How sadly ironic that economic interests can trump the most basic principles.

Thanks for real data, real people

Thank you, Tri-City Herald, and particularly (staff writers) Kristen Kraemer and Annette Cary for your balanced and informational pieces on page 1 and 2 of the Memorial Day edition of the Herald. After reading Sunday’s letters to the editor, I was disheartened by the unnecessary attacks and pointless accusations targeted at our hard-working and overstressed health care professionals. Thank you for shining a light on real people and real data. I for one appreciate it.

Agency officials to blame for loss

The recent Tri-City Herald article reporting the theft of millions of dollars from the Washington Employment Security Department was far too kind to this irresponsible state agency. It left out the fact that possibly hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars were stolen by Nigerian fraudsters. We don’t know the true extent of the amount stolen as state officials are obviously being quiet on this issue. Our state bureaucracies are notorious for incompetence and failure. They protect the citizens’ money as honestly as a thief would.

The Herald suggest ways to protect ourselves from scams such as this as if it were our fault and our responsibility to do what our inept state officials failed to do. Where were the safeguards? Where were the fraud prevention officials? Security? Why is it no one has been held responsible?

The Herald should hold this agency and others to a higher standard. These are the people we trust to guard our money and use it wisely. They shouldn’t get a free pass. And neither should our governor.

(Jay) Inslee put the leaders of these agencies in charge and also is to be blamed for his mismanagement and should answer for this pathetic crime.

This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Letters: Coronavirus, state officials and more | June 5."