LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Every breath you take | Lockdown mandates | Mental health support

Every breath you take

Recently I saw a statement that the coronavirus can be spread by talking. I want to explain to those who deny the virus why this a real thing and therefore a major problem.

Certain sounds--the plosives "b" and "p," for example, the sibilants "s" "sh" and "z," and other sounds--require the propelling of air in order to be heard. You can easily see that, if you have the virus, the mere act of speaking will project the virus into the atmosphere, thereby transmitting it to your family and others with whom you are conversing. Anyone within earshot of the speaker is a possible receiver of the virus. Also remember that you can be infected at least 14 days before symptoms appear.

For those of you not convinced, simply put your hand in front of your month and say "help" in a manner in which you would say it if you wanted help. Really hit the "pa" at the end. Then try "sister," "when," "why" and "what" and feel the air against your hand. A sneeze is not required to propel droplets containing the virus or another person. Just talking to them will do the deed.

Just remember that when you pull your child close to reassure him/her that you love them and they should not be afraid of the dark.

If you remember that many sounds require the release of breath in order to produce the word that allows you to communicate, you will understand why you should wear a mask in public. It is usually after the fact that we become aware that we are a carrier, only then we must ask for forgiveness for spreading a virulent disease.

Why the authorities have not required that masks be worn in all public places is beyond me. It is not a hardship. Any covering is better than none, yet our leaders seem reluctant to ask any inconvenience of ourselves, even a little.

MARK WEATHERTON

North Little Rock

Lockdown mandates

I read with dismay in an opinion column Monday by Preston Jones: "My heart breaks as I contemplate this unforced economic catastrophe we brought on ourselves in a fit of panic, compounded by a refusal to recognize that the lockdown mandates of late March were unwise and are now devastating."

To that, I reply: Mr. Jones, tell that to the 100,000 victims of this pandemic and their families.

ERIN POWELL

Little Rock

The bird in the house

This is a warning to one of my favorite columnists, Philip Martin. That bird that flew from your garage and invaded your house was indeed, as you suggested, an omen, but probably not the one you imagined.

That little mama "house wren" had designs on turning that stored box full of old, useless Vintage Guitar magazines that you have been hoarding without your wife's knowledge into a maternity room. You better watch out, because you came pretty close to getting caught.

JERRY McINTYRE

Little Rock

Mental health support

As we endure the current situation, for the first time many people are experiencing mental health issues. Having to separate ourselves from loved ones, seeing friends and family members becoming ill, constant bombardment of tragedy on social media, loss of jobs and income, taking on the roles of caregiver, teacher, etc., can increase our anxiety, depression or cause emotional trauma.

Take stock of how you are feeling, then remember there are people who live their entire lives experiencing these feelings, many with much more intensity. Over 750,000 Arkansans fit into this category, with numbers rising. Mental illness is real and it can be devastating. Support funding, support brain research, and support each other during this unprecedented time.

LUKE KRAMER

Little Rock

His lack of humanity

There are myriad ways I can describe Donald Trump, but the most damming is that of having no humanity. He is the "Big I." The rest of the world is window dressing for his benefit.

"Big I" tells us we are best in the world and he has made it so. His "updates" are no more than campaign slogans without truth or logic. He must be admired. He is ready to punish those who dare cross him, and they are "losers." He has purged the government of knowledgeable professionals and exchanged them with political friends. Only those who are humbled to him have any worth.

We are in the throes of two major crises in this country: a nasty virus and a population without money to ensure the most basic human needs. We have little or no safety net for millions of Americans. He has a rather cavalier approach to opening the economy without adequate methods of testing and contact tracing.

No doubt, we need money flowing and jobs coming back. His reckless approach leaves us with the conundrum: Who opens the stores and who is at risk for an upswing of the virus? How long will it take for money to reach the most vulnerable of us?

We need leadership with a sense of humanity and a large dose of humility. So far, we don't have that.

GWENNETH PRICE PICARD

Little Rock

Show some respect

This past weekend the streets of Eureka Springs were filled with the usual crowds typical of a Memorial Day weekend. Some guests were wearing masks. Many were not. Folks lined the sidewalks well within the huffing and puffing space of others.

Some have the idea that wearing masks is only to protect themselves from the coronavirus and that the odds of their catching the disease are low. But mask-wearing is not just to protect ourselves from the coronavirus. It is to protect others, our own families, and the economy as well.

If we want to return to a vibrant economy, we must practice social distancing, and adopt the wearing of masks, not just to protect ourselves, but to end the transmission of the disease.

Some may think they are displaying bravery and confidence by running around without masks. Please reconsider and show respect for others.

Wear those masks; it's an example of social responsibility you can proudly display to others, and it's essential to restoring the economy!

DOUG STOWE

Eureka Springs

Editorial on 05/29/2020

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