Americans are fortunate that Nancy Pelosi isn’t president during this COVID-19 crisis

On Pelosi, Trump

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that we must ignore President Donald Trump and listen to the scientists. But it was the scientists — and especially those working for the World Health Organization — who got it wrong during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

These scientists were the ones who suggested that the coronavirus was no worse that SARS or avian flu; they were the ones who told us to not panic and to not close borders.

President Trump has reasonably said that we may need to open business in lightly affected areas because if we don’t, there may well be a depression. Scientists don’t have to worry about things like that, but presidents do.

Fortunately, Pelosi isn’t our president.

Charels Moran, Leesville

On blame

Some people are saying that now is not the time to assign blame for how the response to the coronavirus pandemic has been tragically mismanaged. I respectfully disagree with this opinion; after all, law enforcement officials don’t wait for an active shooter to stop shooting before they try to intervene.

There’s ample blame to spread around — from China’s leaders to some of our own leaders here in America (including some health officials, mayors and governors). But the overwhelming share of blame for the ongoing mismanagement of this tragic crisis clearly lies with President Donald Trump’s administration.

I refuse to remain quiet about this until this crisis is over.

William Brunson, Sumter

On the Republicans

I find it very hypocritical that Republican Party lawmakers are now saying that it’s better to have people die than to let the American economy fail.

I guess life isn’t precious to them anymore, and I fully expect them to reflect this new attitude when it comes to abortion. If not, then they apparently only think life is precious when they can control women’s lives.

Mark Melichar, Columbia

On Medicaid

Here in South Carolina we have long rejected expanding Medicaid, and we have done so for political reasons. But now is not the time to reject funds that would help our uninsured population, which includes many of the people who are now making sure that you have food on your table — and who are making sure that your grandmother is cared for and safe in a nursing facility.

If we don’t accept additional Medicaid funds, more people in South Carolina will fall victim to the coronavirus, and more of our rural hospitals will shutter their doors because their patients can’t pay their medical bills.

Maria Hewitt, Columbia

On the curfew

The city of Columbia’s curfew ordinance was rushed through, and it is unnecessary. What’s even worse is that it triggered the state of emergency law, which is unconstitutional. The COVID-19 pandemic is not a condition that qualifies under Columbia’s law: it doesn’t qualify as a “great public crisis, disaster, rioting, civil disturbance or catastrophe.”

In effect Columbia has disarmed otherwise law-abiding citizens between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. outside their homes. Why isn’t everyone up in arms about this? Why aren’t lawsuits being filed against the city of Columbia?

Come on, sheeple, speak up before it’s too late.

Gus Philpott, Columbia

On venues

A note from Roger Brown: After my Thursday column on the lack of activity at Columbia’s largest venues during the pandemic, USC athletics director Ray Tanner responded to it on Twitter; Tanner’s tweet is printed below. I hold up my hand on this: I should have made a call and my apologies for not doing that.

The opinion story in The State newspaper newspaper this morning gives a false impression concerning use of our facilities during this Coronavirus pandemic.

We have been working with the Red Cross on a blood drive at Colonial Life Arena and with Prisma for a medical facility use at our volleyball center. All Gamecocks athletics facilities have been made available to the State of South Carolina for use if needed.

Historically, our University and the athletics department have worked hard to be there for our community and our state, and during this pandemic we have escalated that effort.

Ray Tanner, USC athletics director, Columbia

This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 10:07 AM.