Don’t trust Trump: Letters to the editor, May 6, 2020

Shame on Trump over defunding

What a shameful moment for the USA. By defunding the World Health Organization, our president is condemning millions of people around the world to a horrid death by a disease which respects no borders.

Donald Trump’s crippling the WHO does huge damage to our country’s ability to encourage, facilitate and coordinate the worldwide effort to contain and defeat a worldwide pandemic.

Instead, the U.S. is kidnapping medical supplies from other nations, sending positive-tested Guatemalans and Mexicans back to infect their countries, and trying to monopolize the market on testing and vaccines. It is no service to anyone, notably also Americans, to prolong the pandemic and its resulting worldwide economic depression.

By defunding the WHO now, we save a little today and lose a lot tomorrow. Shame on you! For decades America was a world leader, a beacon of morality and conscience. But now “Trump” is a badge of greed and shame for all Americans to wear in future. Shame on you! Shame! Shame!

Don’t trust Trump on reopening

The president would like to reopen the economy as soon as possible. That is understandable. He knows that a strong economy is his key to re-election. His urge to open the economy is based largely on his self-interest.

Reopening the country too early could cause a second wave of infection. This has been happening in Asian countries that have tried to reopen. Reopening the economy too early will cost lives.

Donald Trump did not order a lockdown or sheltering in place for the country. That was done by state governors and local authorities. There is no national order to shelter in place. Nonetheless, the president asserted that he has the authority to reopen the country. Actually, he asserted he has total authority.

We would all like to see things get back to normal, but only when it is safe. Please don’t allow the president to sacrifice your health or your life for his re-election. Pay attention to the governor and our local authorities when it comes to a decision about when we should get back to work.

Thanks to Cancer Society drivers

From National Volunteer Week, the American Cancer Society chapter in Fresno would like to recognize the following volunteer drivers who have provided a combined 3,028 rides for cancer patients: Jan Walters of Fresno who has given 1,168 rides; Tom Besmer of Clovis who has given 743 rides; and Don Green of Clovis who has given 407 rides. Fresno drivers Lisa Bassill has provided 170 rides, Kathy Higley has provided 151 rides, Irene Archuleta has provided 139 rides, and Joy Rosik has provided 132 rides. Clovis driver Chris Dresslar Moss has provided 118 rides.

One of the toughest challenges cancer patients face is getting to and from treatment appointments. Many are too ill to drive themselves and have no family members who can help with all their transportation needs. For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has provided free transportation by volunteer drivers through its Road To Recovery program. Volunteers need to be 18 to 84 years old, have a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance. Online training is provided, and background checks are conducted on all drivers.

If you would like to help, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/drive.

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Don’t trust Trump: Letters to the editor, May 6, 2020."