Letters to the Editor – Musings on COVID-19, the virus that won’t go away

Strengthening health structures as a weapon of the pandemic

Re: “Experts warn of future pandemics – the US must prepare with social structures to be prepared,” he said on Tuesday’s news.

This is an excellent article that should serve as a guide to enriching our arsenal of pandemic weapons. As the article suggests, in addition to vaccines, therapeutics and inventory levels, the US must address social, economic and racial inequalities to successfully tackle the next pandemic virus.

Health determines resilience to pandemics. A livable wage, safe living, clean air and clean water as well as nutritious food determine health. For too long, the criticality of the pandemic-health relationship has been overlooked by politicians, the media and the public.

Paul Dreimiller, Plano

Virus feeds on the need for freedom

I hope that when the new variant of COVID visits the US, a new political openness will be encountered. The variant is not a red or blue state issue, it is non-partisan and feeds their insatiable hunger from both sides of the Ganges. It’s color blind.

This variant reminds me of the extraterrestrial life form monster in the movie Alien. The monster killed indiscriminately – a platoon of Marines, a handful of scientists, and a few astronauts.

We are now living with COVID for 23 months and have learned a lot. But knowledge is only valuable when it is used. We learned that it is an airborne virus that is spread by people who often have no symptoms. We have three vaccines that are effective up to 5 years of age and a third booster.

But the clever COVID virus is mutating. It is a shapeshifter and takes advantage of people who do not seek protection. The new variant has some mutations that supposedly make it more contagious. This virus could be hunting in your street or mall soon. The virus feeds on a human weakness – the desire for individual freedom. It is a struggle between the rights of the individual against the many.

James Sherrard, Plano

Omicron, it’s back to basics

I hear it will take about three months to modify the vaccines for Omicron. I plan to continue wearing a mask indoors except in my own car and at lunch with my mom with her.

Jack Heaton, Irving

Report deaths by vaccination status

Re: “Dallas, Tarrant 10,000 deaths happen – grim milestone reached as nearly 72,000 Texans died of COVID-19”, November 19 Metro & Business Story.

Not once in this history has the difference in death patterns between vaccinated and unvaccinated people been documented. How can the Dallas Morning News avoid mentioning that almost all deaths occur among the current minority of our local population who are not fully vaccinated?

How can The News support public health and report COVID-19 deaths, including the latest death toll, without disclosing the significantly lower percentage of current deaths that was out of the 58% who are now fully vaccinated this month? Simply posting a COVID-19 death curve going back 12 months before a vaccine was available, with the monthly record of vaccinated and unvaccinated deaths, sends a sobering, life-saving message!

Please never give the current COVID-19 death rate without giving the percentage of fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated people and then the current percentage of the fully vaccinated population in the population. All percentages are updated with every message.

Give us the dates! The public will quickly see how to save their own life!

Bill R. Betzen, Dallas

Origin of anti-attitude

I assume that there will be conflict in households with children who are excited that they can now get the COVID-19 vaccine with their friends – but their parents are “opponents against Vaxx”. Aside from the children’s disappointment and lack of protection, they could also get into trouble from some of their vaccinated classmates.

I wonder when the polio and smallpox vaccines were introduced, a lot of people said no, we have to wait years for tests to make sure they’re safe? When I went to school in the 50s and 60s I always thought that vaccinations were a part of life that is required for registration. Why is it such a big deal now? How many people were injured from their shots? How many who died wish they had them?

A cartoon on the editorial page a few months ago made me laugh. President Joe Biden was sitting at his desk and decreed that vaccines were no longer allowed – at this point the ardent Trump supporter changed his mind. If Biden says that, I want that and vice versa. I can imagine that a lot will happen there.

John Vehon, Dallas

Stop pointless hoax

Bathing in borax? Drink bleach? Are you taking any medicine that may treat worm infections in cats and dogs? Isn’t it a lot easier to get the shot? Okay okay Don’t you want the shot? Don’t go to the hospital. Don’t get expensive antibody treatments. Just stay home and stick it out. Alone.

Ann Thornton, Dallas

Politicians stupid, dishonest, or both

Subject: “Doubt About Hall,” by Thomas Kelly, letters dated Nov. 27.

The author quotes Republican Senator Bob Hall as saying, “Vaccines … actually kill more people than we save.” This is just one example of how illiterate / uninformed / misinformed (or dishonest?) Some of our politicians are .

Graham Donathan, Benbrook

Being anti-vax is not Christian

I totally agree with Kelly regarding State Sen. Bob Hall’s opinion on vaccines. He and his family are receiving COVID vaccines, but he claims to be a Christian. I am really amazed at this statement. A Christian loves his neighbor as himself. If you do not get vaccinated, you are putting your family and neighbors at risk.

Where does he get his information from that more people died from the vaccination than were saved by it? I guess he also believes Donald Trump is still president, John F. Kennedy Jr. is about to show up, and the sun is orbiting the earth.

I thank God every day that He took care of me and my family. I even pray for people like Sen. Hall.

Doug Moore, Grand Prairie

Non-Vaxxers capture us forever

Re: “Quarter Of Texans: No Thanks – Survey Also Says One Third Of Parents Don’t Want Their Children To Be Vaccinated,” News from Nov. 25.

We may already have a head start on this year’s Grinch Awards as we learn that a significant portion of Texans are still refusing to take the COVID vaccine. Due to tenacity, delusion, and gullibility, we seem stuck with enough non-Vaxxers to perpetuate the virus forever. Bah Humbug, it sounds ominous now.

Tony Torres, garland

Why beat up ‘science questioners’?

Subject: “We’re Making a Toast – To the People Who Make a Difference,” November 25th editorial.

Your toast to Dr. Philip Huang, while a nice touch from your editors, didn’t have to come at the expense of those who sometimes question science. Don’t we have a long history as a species questioning science? It is terrifying to imagine where humanity would be now without some of the great “science questioners” of history.

To label those who have questioned science or sought alternative viewpoints as “charlatans and opportunists” in the course of this pandemic is grossly irresponsible. Many of these “charlatans” are doctors themselves. When did it become a requirement that we blindly follow all government appointed professionals?

Alex Danza, University Park

Bullies, vax up or stay out

In many parts of the world, or at least in First World countries, vaccination rates have reached such high levels that we can return to almost normal lives. There are still some travel restrictions, the wearing of masks may be mandatory, and people who are not double vaccinated may be banned from some venues and activities.

The last point, some exclusions, creates problems when a group of people might go out to eat and people who cannot prove their dual vaccination status or medical exemption are refused entry. You would be disappointed, but it is for the good of the majority and themselves.

The problem that arises is that some of the disfellowshipped are shouting and even resorting to violence and trying to penetrate or attack employees. From personal observation, most gatekeepers are young employees with no real authority or means to stop these people. As this has been reported in the media, a number of people, including politicians, are suggesting lifting all restrictions to prevent these conflicts, although doing so would allow a higher chance of the spread of COVID.

Since when should bullies get their way and let politics support their bad behavior? Don’t let her get through Basically vax-up or stay outside.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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