Cure worse
than virus?
We have shut things down in order to save lives. However, shutting things down can itself endanger and harm lives.
For example, according to UNICEF, it is estimated that 22,000 children die due to poverty every day, which comes to over 8 million per year.
The University of United Nations did a study and estimates approximately 500 million people will be pushed into poverty due to closures around the world because of the virus. So far, around 250,000 people have died worldwide due to the virus, which is terrible.
However, the response to the virus is potentially putting millions of children at risk.
I believe if you were to ask those especially vulnerable to the virus (the sick and elderly) if they would accept a greater “possibility” they might die if things are opened up in order to greatly lessen the potential danger to millions of children, they would say yes.
In our state and island, things are not that bleak as far as children dying, but what is happening to our rates of suicide, domestic violence, addictive behavior, mental health issues, and the destruction of many peoples livelihoods?
Just to put things in perspective so far, 17 people have died in the state due to the virus, which is terrible. However, according to the Livestories Research Firm, 637 people died of the flu in the state in 2017. Of course, our island stands at zero deaths and only one Kona-side hospitalization due to the virus.
I believe we should open very soon while maintaining good hygiene practices. If things were to open up, no one will be forced to go out. Individuals can continue to self isolate for as long as they like.
Steve Meek
Hilo
Kudos to columnist
Regarding a recent letter in the Tribune-Herald submitted by Nan Sumner-Mack about her disdain toward Tribune-Herald contributor Rochelle delaCruz’s “Rainy Side View” about the Hilo Library, I have to come to Rochelle’s defense.
She is a monthly columnist, and many of her stories are parodies. It’s a style of her writing, with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect, to make some of us smile during these coronavirus crisis.
Yes, we are entitled to our own opinions about stories submitted by columnists, but certainly this was not an official complaint by Ms. delaCruz, who I know respects all library staff workers.
On another note, if some library visitors are bothered by certain noises within libraries, and sometimes there certain noises which can’t be helped, try wearing noise-cancelling devices, such as simple earplugs, ear muffs, or the more higher-end ones worn by passengers on commercial jets.
Kudos to all library workers and to Rochelle delaCruz!
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo
