If some Americans won’t take COVID-19 seriously, they should agree not to be treated

On choices, consequences

We Americans are free to disagree on the policies requiring us to stay in our homes, but we must also be held accountable for our actions. Many people may disregard COVID-19 as a hoax, a malicious plot or simply not their problem, but they should also realize that every choice we make also has a consequence.

For example, what if a young person became infected with the coronavirus while traveling in frivolous fashion and then unknowingly transmitted the virus to an elderly person? If both need hospitalization, who gets care? Right now the younger person would likely get treatment because they have a greater chance of survival — but the elderly person would die simply because of the other individual’s brash foolishness.

If people want to act superfluously during a pandemic, let them. But I propose that we require these reckless people to sign waivers in which they agree to be the last ones to receive medical care if they are infected by the coronavirus.

My proposal would allow people to have the personal freedom to make their own choices while protecting those who have chosen to take the necessary precautions during an ongoing pandemic.

John Shelley, Irmo

On social distancing

Why does Gov. Henry McMaster say that all of our beaches and golf courses are closed when there are photos on the internet of people still going to beaches or playing golf? There are still too many people who aren’t abiding by the orders calling for us to practice social distancing.

I am ashamed to say I live in South Carolina, and it is because McMaster still won’t issue a stay at home order.

Robin Grooms, Kershaw

On the Democrats

The recent stimulus package that was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump could have been done a lot sooner if Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Whip James Clyburn hadn’t tried to load up the bill with unnecessary spending that had nothing to do with COVID-19.

These Democratic leaders in Congress failed the American people, and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York should also be ashamed of his leadership. Cuomo has been complaining about the government not providing him with ventilators, yet there were apparently thousands that were available to his state.

President Trump and his team of experts are providing strong leadership to fight this pandemic. Let’s fight together as Americans to control this enemy. Let’s avoid putting politics into the decisions that are being made, and let’s do what is best for America.

We will win!

Jesse Moore, Leesville

This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 10:21 AM.