Letters to the Editor - May 14, 2020

‘Conventional Wisdom’

 

I, like most of you, am new to “social distancing.”  Being social and intentionally distancing oneself from others seems contradictory. While we all figure this out together, I have a couple of observations. These are unconventional times. Day is night and hot is cold. We are left in a world of gray and lukewarm where habit and “normal” seem upended.

 

One of the best ways to help each other through all of this is to stick to what we know wherever we can. I am specifically referring to our roads, sidewalks and trails. I have seen more new faces (and dogs) walking through our neighborhood and on our trails than I can count. That’s great, and it’s understandable as this quarantine drags on.

 

With more traffic, new users and “social distancing” have come added challenges. I am not about to lecture anyone on how to practice these new “distancing” guidelines. This is just a suggestion that if we stick to what we all know works, it will be easier to manage what has changed. 

 

We drive, bike and walk on the right side of our roads, trails and sidewalks. If you meet someone and you are both in the middle of your thoroughfare, both should move to the right. If you are in a group of two, three or four abreast, if someone approaches (from in front or behind) please move to your right and get in a single line. 

 

Everyone will know what to expect and we can meet these new guidelines with our best chance for success.

 

Frank Conway
Daniel Island

 

Too many liberties?

 

I found Mr. McBride’s observations quite interesting. I agree that our government is not consistent with a multitude of issues but even more important is the individual’s lack of consistency on how he or she rationalizes a choice on certain issues.

 

As Mr. McBride pointed out, speeding, alcohol, and smoking cause way too many unnecessary deaths, a large number being innocent victims. Why should COVID-19 be any different?

 

I would argue that most individuals would be outraged and devastated if they lost an innocent loved one as the result of a speeder or alcoholic. How should I feel if I lost a loved one to COVID-19 because an individual exercised his “right” not to wear a mask or socially distance himself from high risk people? What is more important, the economy or the value of human life? I guess it depends on our perspective.

 

I firmly believe the world won’t change unless human behavior changes (hopefully for the better). Is it possible we have too many “liberties”?

 

David Logston
Daniel Island

 

District 1 belongs to all residents, not one party

 

I drove down Daniel Island Drive and noticed Nancy Mace’s Congressional campaign sign in a neighbor’s yard. Her slogan, “Take Back the Lowcountry,” says more about battling than it does about serving. Perhaps this is only her primary campaign slogan, because she is duking it out with other Republicans to be on the ballot in November. In that context, yes: she’s trying to take the seat back for the Republican Party, and “them’s fightin words” are appealing to Republican voters.

 

Mace’s approach to being in Congress is clear: it’s all about party and ensuring the Republican Party takes “possession” of the district. In reality, the district belongs to the people. You don’t “take back” the district from anyone or any party. You work hard to earn the respect of everyone in the district, because you’re going to have to  serve everyone.

 

The hypocrisy being dished out by Mace should be sold for $6 a plate at a Republican rally. She loves to falsely blast Cunningham for kowtowing to national Democrats, and yet Mace seems to care more about getting endorsements from members of Congress in Utah, California or Louisiana than her own neighborhood.

 

The differences between Mace and Cunningham are crystal clear. One has earned the respect and votes from both sides of the aisle and seeks to represent the entire Lowcountry (which is why he is in Congress now), and the other wants to possess the Lowcountry for just one party. That kind of political and governing strategy does nothing more than throw more sand in the gears of leadership. It’s certainly not what I’d want to see representing all of District 1 in Washington.

 

Jay Karen
Daniel Island