Letters to the Editor: May 7-13, 2020

Posted

The Editor:

A Mother’s Day Greeting

By Clay Harrison

There is nothing more precious

Than a mother’s sweet prayer;

There is nothing more gracious

Than the love she will share;

There is nothing as strong

as the faith she declares;

and when things go wrong –

we know that she cares!

Earl Erickson, 88-year-old veteran

Blaine

 

The Editor:

We are so grateful and appreciative for the outpouring of support we have received during this unimaginable crisis. It is like our whole community wrapped us in their arms and gave us the most comforting hug. Thank you.

It is impossible to individually name all who help us, but please accept our sincere “blanket” thanks to all who touch us with kindness and generosity. To all who provide us with kid-friendly breakfasts, lunches and snacks for our weekend backpack program, thank you.

To all who provide us with shelf-stable food, baby formula and diapers and pet products, thank you. To those who provide us with beautiful handmade masks for our volunteers, and still continue to make them so that we can provide them to our clients, thank you. To all those who offer to volunteer, thank you.

To all who are able to offer monetary donations that allow us to purchase nutritious fruit, vegetables and protein that are no longer available to us through our supply chain, thank you. And to the young girl who brought us a donation on Wednesday evening to “help the food bank” but wished to remain anonymous, thank you.

To all our donors, thank you for what you do to help individuals and families in our community who face hunger and uncertainty. It is with your generosity and caring that we are able to serve. With your support, as long as we are needed, we will be here.

Sally Church, for the board of directors and volunteers of the Blaine Food Bank

Blaine

 

The Editor:

Working hard for us in the 42nd district, state representative Luanne Van Werven recently presented an eight-point plan for restarting our local economy while we continue to fight the spread of Covid-19.

I applaud her suggestions and hope that local and state officials see them as well and promptly act on them. However, I was dismayed to learn that one of her opponents in the upcoming elections had distorted her views in an attempt to raise campaign funds.

Representative Van Werven is keenly aware and observant of the safety protocols necessary to minimize the spread of the virus. Her own mother is isolated in an assisted living facility. Even though they have not been able to visit, other than on the phone, for over a month, she would never do anything to jeopardize her mother’s health and safety. The same goes for all those in the 42nd district most at risk.

Representative Van Werven is also fully attentive to our current economic challenges, with many of our local businesses shut down and so many unable to work; it will be devastating to the health and well-being of thousands if it continues much longer, especially for those with high-risk factors. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations that help those in need will be overwhelmed just as taxes and donations plummet.

Representative Van Werven’s plan calls for eliminating “essential” and “non-essential” labels, restarting business activity as safety protocols are established and maintained, and restarting residential construction in the same manner when safety standards are defined and maintained, thus providing clarity while establishing goals. This is the type of constructive dialogue we need to see as we work together to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Carolyn Anderson

Blaine

 

The Editor:

We had a glimmer of hope recently during a few of President Trump’s briefings on the pandemic. He appeared with a high caliber team to whom he quickly deferred for answers to questions. They appealed to reason with great credibility – whether you agree or not – to a full medical solution no matter the cost, and the military stepping in for logistic support was highly reassuring.

When we can at least “stipulate to the facts,” then disagreements might be resolved to benefit us all. The press pursued questions but held their punches; the experts were prepared and spoke clearly; and the President stayed on topic and left the particulars to the experts. All of this reassures a public whereas explosions will dismay them no matter who starts it. Trump may still be governing from the top down “like a business” but maybe he sees that it is not a one-man show.

I recall an anecdote from a former police officer I once knew. As a new rookie, he came up on a horrible accident in a busy city intersection and remembered thinking, “Oh, my God, somebody call the cops,” and then, instantly, “Oh crap, that’s me!” as he jumped out of his car and plunged into a real mess. He was restraining a likely drunk driver, calling for medical help, holding witnesses and managing traffic flow when in no time, a senior officer was there politely asking if he needed assistance. The first thing the senior officer did was call for backup, which my friend instantly realized was the obvious thing to do but had not even occurred to him.

Musing on this incident years later, he noted their courtesy in deferring all decisions as suggestions to him as the officer in charge. And they meant it because he was, ready or not. They showed understanding, appreciation of his willingness to give all he had, and respect due his position. They gave all the help they had so that he would learn how to do it right while also solving the problem at hand. And to his great relief, he saw that it was never supposed to be a one-man show.

This problem of pandemic is a tough call for anyone since there is no one good answer. Even the status quo costs those who stand to lose everything so the rest of us can stay safe. The millions of them are heroes too, but we ask whether they should be. The virus knows no boundaries but we do. We must help all we can and focus only here with its awful sacrifices.

Sharon Robinson

Blaine

 

The Editor:

Thank you very much, Lee Bravener, for your letter in a recent issue of The Northern Light. It was a wonderful reminder to us of how very fortunate we are to live in Blaine. Surrounded by an environment that is unmatched in its beauty, we are also blessed with incredible neighbors who have taken this time of testing to reach out and address the needs of many of our citizens. The spirit of unselfishness is inspiring.

As we move toward a time of “re-opening” our town, let us do so with prudence and consideration. The Covid-19 virus is going to be with us for the foreseeable future until a reliable vaccine is found and distributed. Let’s listen to the advice of our local and state leaders and not jump the gun as we get back to a more “normal” lifestyle. Keep your mask handy and wear it where appropriate, observe social distancing, wash, wash, wash, and generally observe thoughtfulness for the health and needs of others.

Be safe and well, and thanks, Lee. Upward and onward.

Bryan Johnson

Blaine

 

The Editor:

I am writing in response to Joan E. Kempinsky’s letter in the April 16-22 issue.

While I am sure the appeal for us to fly our U.S. flags at half-mast in honor of those ill with Covid-19 or serving them was well-intended, it is not correct.

Lowering our beloved United States flag is not something we can just decide to do on our own. There are rules for the proper display of the United States flag, as established by Public Law 94-344, the Federal Flag Code passed by the 94th Congress. United States flags are to be hoisted to the peak of the staff with rare exception. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.

By order of the President, the flag is flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the U.S. government and the governor of a state, territory or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory.

Any rule or custom pertaining to the display of the United States flag may be changed or repealed or additional rules may be prescribed only by the President of the United States, acting as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Any such change shall be set forth in a presidential proclamation.

The flag is at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15; Patriot Day, September 11; and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7.

There are many ways to show our concern and appreciation. I’ve seen yard signs with heart-warming messages of encouragement and thanks; colorful posters and paper bouquets in windows; businesses offering free meals, laundry service, oil changes, etc. to medical, fire and police personnel; a small home business offering free hand sanitizer; people who sew making masks; neighbors helping neighbors.

This challenging time for our country, community and families can be walked through with prayer and honor, allowing us to come out on the other side, having gained strength and wisdom. Pray. Stay calm. Be kind – to yourself, to your family, to everyone with whom you come into socially-distanced contact.

Christena Miller

Blaine

 

The Editor:

I am writing to ask that The Northern Light write an article explaining why and asking that people please wear masks when out in public and also continue to be aware of social distancing. 

I just left Cost Cutter after waiting for a grocery pick-up because I am in the high-risk group. As I was waiting in the car, I was appalled at the number of people going in and out of the store without masks and not considering social distancing. I heard that this behavior shows a total disregard for the store employees, who are wearing masks and gloves, as well as other shoppers. 

As more and more people are now outside, personal liberty is not the only issue. Some people seem to not understand that with freedom comes responsibility, and in this case responsibility to others as well as ourselves. Thank you.

Beth Tableman

Blaine

 

The Editor:

As a nurse working for the Veterans Health Administration, I believe it is imperative that face masks be worn in all public spaces, especially as restrictions are eased to reopen the economy.

A recent study by MIT showed that jurisdictions that acted early and aggressively to limit the spread of the 1918 Spanish flu performed better economically after the pandemic than those that did not. Masks were a factor that improved those economic outcomes.

As evidence accumulated that people can be asymptomatic but contagious, and that the coronavirus may spread by talking, coughing, sneezing or runners/walkers breathing heavily, reluctance to promote mask use to the general public abated somewhat. Now, many cities and counties require face masks in all public places. (Clean bandanas, scarves or old T-shirts fashioned to cover the mouth and nose will do, so compliance is easy.)

I have no illusions that wearing a mask is a panacea – masks are an extra layer of protection, and wearing one sends the vital social cue, “I protect you. You protect me.”

Cities, counties and health departments have the authority to implement mask policies. A mandate such as this does not need to originate at the state level. While some businesses now require masks for employees and customers, we need uniform, comprehensive containment measures. The race is on to develop a vaccine in months instead of years, but even then, will it prove effective? How fast could it be made available for millions or billions of people? We don’t know. So, it’s just common sense to include masks to our armamentaria.

Please contact your city, county elected representatives and the health department urging them to implement a mask mandate. It would be a profile in courage for them to do so. Do they have the courage?

Rebecca Rech Cutler

Bellingham

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here


OUR PUBLICATIONS