Hair's getting too long
Governor Hutchinson: I need a haircut pretty bad. I do not care to gamble or get a tattoo, ever. I am getting along OK without going to a sit-down restaurant. But I know those folks would like to get back to work. They must feel awful guilty making more on unemployment than they did working. But if I don't get a haircut soon, it ain't gonna be pretty; 64-year-old man with hair down over his ears. I know I am not the only one.
Please open up the barbershops real soon. At least Charley's in Bald Knob. We thank you.
DAVID DICKEY
Sherwood
Prevent what may be
Charles Dickens writes in A Christmas Carol, "Are these the shadows of the things that will be, or are they shadows of the things that may be only?"
Stay with me while we examine Mr. Chevallier's assertion that computer modelers got it wrong in the past, so why should we believe them about covid-19. Forecasters, using the best tools they have, attempt the impossible by trying to predict the future. Sometimes they fail. Those we may remember, while forgetting or even being unaware of the predictions that altered the future in some positive way.
Regarding covid-19, scientists, using computer modeling, alerted us to a dangerous reef ahead, much as radar might have done for a ship sailing through dark waters. We, mainly through the actions of the individual states, have steered in a way to avoid some, if not most, of the potential death the virus could have wrought. Now Mr. Chevallier wants us to believe the reef was never there.
One only has to look to New York and the surrounding area to see the blow our country has received. Does Mr. Chevallier think that the tens of thousands of hospitalizations in the New York area due to covid-19 are normal? That refrigerated trucks lined up to hold the bodies of the dead are normal? That New York usually opens mass graves to bury the dead? Does he think that somehow the people of New York are susceptible to the virus in a way that Arkansans are not?
Our numbers will likely be much lower because it is easier to practice social distancing in a state with population density of only 51.3 persons per square mile, compared to New York City's density of 28,211 persons per square mile, but proportionally, we could easily suffer as much, and perhaps would have, if not for the quick actions of competent governance. We are lucky to have good governance at the state level, given the incompetence at the national level.
So let the Mr. Chevalliers of the world have their delusions of insight. Let the rest of us continue to do all we can to get through this with as little illness and death as possible.
ALLEN SEAY
Fayetteville
Changes likely again
The recent covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone to some degree. The long-term impact, both socially and economically, will likely not be fully realized for some time. That said, some will say it was all an overreaction to nothing more than a common cold-like infection, while others will say societal precautions were effective in stemming the spread of a devastating and deadly infection. None can honestly say they have all the answers.
We cannot by law do routine dental procedures until further notice. On March 23, the Arkansas Department of Health mandated that all dental practitioners follow the recommendation of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and the American Dental Association that only urgent and emergent dental care take place, and that non-emergent dental care be suspended. This has placed a hardship on patients, staff and dentists. Know that when dentists are allowed to resume we will take every precaution to protect our patients and staff. Until that time, please understand we are doing all we can within the narrow definition of allowable dental practice procedures.
While a dental student in 1981, dramatic changes were made to best practice methods in the face of a new disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Thus the Blood Borne Pathogens Standard was born, and the way we practice was forever changed. Aerosols from dental high-speed headpieces and ultrasonic instruments are particularly problematic in the spread of microorganisms. Undoubtedly, changes in best practices are sure to come again. After 35 years in dental practice, I have never seen anything like this.
CARL S. PLYLER
Glenwood
Being irresponsible
I'm extremely upset at the behavior of these people who aren't taking this virus seriously. It's childish and irresponsible. They are spreading lies and infecting others. They are blocking roads, and stopping doctors from doing their job. What if it was your own child in that hospital? What are people doing messing around? How do you stand by and stop people from doing their job? How are you going to tell your 6-year-old that their sibling won't be coming back from the hospital? You know what you're going to have to say? You're going to tell your kid that you were irresponsible and did a bad thing, costing your other kid's life.
You're a bunch of baloney-eating octopus-throwers. I really don't understand. Don't you know that denial is a stage of grief? Eventually you're going to accept it. You're killing others and family because of your denial. Stop the murder and flatten the curve.
SADIE MONTGOMERY
North Little Rock
Has no comic timing
Our stable genius president needs to watch Gov. Asa Hutchinson to see how a coronavirus briefing should be conducted. But he pontificates (trying to give the impression that he understands and/or knows better than what the health and medical professionals are telling him) and monopolizes most of the briefing with his ignorant ramblings.
This is no time for a wannabe comedian with no comic timing. Pence needs to have a "Sarcasm" sign to hold up so that we will know when he is trying to be funny.
JULIA FOSTER
Monticello
Editorial on 04/28/2020