Poor COVID response: Letters to the editor, May 17, 2020

COVID reveals America’s flaws

This virus, COVID-19, has exposed to a dismaying degree the flaws in our society and in our country. The existence of these flaws that have been lurking in the background of our collective conscience are now in our face, so to speak.

The inequities in our country and our society are now difficult to deny. We see them on our TVs, in our newspapers, on our phones and in our tweets. The proof of these inequities keeps pace with the spreading of the virus.

Poverty, low wages, lack of health care, lack of health insurance, lack of nutrition, lack of food, as well as our prejudices have hit certain populations with a vengeance, particularly communities of color.

If we ever hope to be a strong, healthy, vibrant, equitable society, we need to work hard to change these flaws that have surfaced so blatantly.

We cannot and should not go back to business as usual. Too many lives and too much talent has been wasted for too long. We know what needs to be fixed. Let that be what we work toward as we negotiate this COVID-19 virus.

Parents need to help educate kids

As a veteran teacher for FUSD, I feel compelled to respond to a recent front-page article, “FUSD’s new plan will give laptops, tablets to students,” written by Isabel Dieppa. Regarding the “Frustrations parents have with the process, along with the board receiving multiple calls by families that have not yet heard from their child’s teacher,” provided only complaints from parents, not from any teachers.

The parents should have been asked what they have done this school year to establish a relationship with their teacher, and what methods have they used to contact the teacher.

At my site, Del Mar Elementary School, each teacher, along with our hardworking administrators, have tried contacting families to give away technology. We are held accountable and set goals weekly on our progress. I think I speak for all teachers when I say that we want to work with our families side by side, so the child will be successful.

Parents can help their children without technology by reading with them and playing games that can help with math concepts. They can provide a calm environment and help them understand the effects this virus has on everyone.

They need to worry about the spike in crime because of all the prisoners being let out of jail early. Parents, please be part of the solution and not the problem.

COVID response like driving without headlights

On Feb. 28, only 11 weeks ago, the U.S. recorded its first coronavirus death. President Trump said it was under control, said it would all disappear soon. Now, the American toll stands at 85,000 (as of Friday) and rising. In 11 weeks. The Vietnam War spanned nine years and killed 58,220 Americans.

Two-thirds of Americans favor stay-home restrictions and limits on business and large gatherings. They understand that this is a life-or-death crisis, that economic pain must be endured.They agree this is not an overreaction, not proof of "authoritarian" state and local government.

The calamitous death toll — it may reach 100,000 Americans by the end of the year — and the grievous wounds to our economy could have been curbed substantially. The U.S. had warning. Look to New Zealand, Taiwan, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Germany for blueprints of quick, effective, courageous leadership in blunting the death rates and economic disruption.

The U.S. response to COVID-19, meanwhile, is an ongoing disaster. Staggering incompetence hobbles the federal role. Testing remains scarce, reliability is questionable, results are slow. Our front-line heroes in the medical community still don't have adequate protective gear. In short, America is still driving around in the dark without headlights.

This story was originally published May 17, 2020 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Poor COVID response: Letters to the editor, May 17, 2020."