Letters: Striking a balance (4/29/20)
Striking a balance
Easing the restrictions on COVID-19 risky activities is like setting a speed limit on our roads. The higher the speed limit, the greater the freedom to drive as one pleases, and the greater the number of statistically probable deaths. There are those who would advocate for unfettered freedom notwithstanding higher death rates, and vice versa. The political and economic challenge is in finding a socially acceptable balance. Although one might differ from our elected leaders on where to set the limits, or how fast to proceed in adjusting those limits, there is going to be a trial-and-error period during which data and societal feedback will trend toward an acceptable trade-off between freedom and harm. Let’s cut our local leaders some slack as they attempt to strike a balance.
Peter Wessel, Denver
Demand federal food benefits
In the wake of the COVID crisis and the unprecedented number of job losses, furloughs, and wage cuts our citizens have seen in the last month, many Colorado families now find themselves unable to put food on the table. And with schools closed, children who once received two meals a day at school have lost a vital source of nutrition, further stressing family budgets.
As a consequence our food banks are running empty and Colorado families are relying upon federal food benefits more than ever before, yet at a national level, there are proposals to cut these benefits.
As Coloradans, we must take a stand and let our legislators know this is not OK. As a mother and a pediatrician, I know first-hand how important adequate nutrition is to the minds and bodies of young, growing children. A hungry child cannot learn, doesn’t have the energy to play, and has more difficulties with sleep than one who does not have to worry about when their next meal will be. Colorado legislators owe it to the children and families that they serve to stand up to Washington and demand continued and increased support of federal food benefits.
Sarah Nelson-Taylor, Denver
Speaking of the “satisfied man”
I noted the political cartoon on Tuesday and thought to myself, the fellow jumping out of his parachute is not satisfied with current conditions and the fellow remaining in his parachute is satisfied.
Then I looked at a slightly larger picture and noted that right above the cartoon was the quote from Denver Post founder Frederick G. Bonfils, “There is no hope for the satisfied man.”
I guess I can say that The Post is presenting both sides, but the Bonfils quote is on the op/ed page every day.
Rob Crumpley, Broomfield
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