War on COVID requires public unity much like Americans practiced during World War II

War on COVID

There has been much debate over universal mandatory COVID vaccination, mask wearing and other public health measures.

There are those among us who will not comply. They cite their right of personal choice.

Mandatory compliance, in the face of a national crisis, is not without precedent.

After Pearl Harbor, while many young men immediately volunteered for military service, involuntary conscription was also required to build an armed force capable of defeating the enemy.

When drafted, the overwhelming majority served honorably, whether they liked it or not. Likewise, civilian manufacturing was mandated to support the war effort. Automobile production was replaced with the building of tanks, airplanes, guns and other military implements. The civilian population had to endure rationing and other “inconveniences.”

When the war was over, conscripted soldiers were discharged, rationing was lifted and private enterprise resumed.

The same can be said for the need to mobilize against the war on COVID.

Sure, you might not like being vaccinated or wearing a mask, but it will definitely save lives and help win the war on COVID. When it comes to public health, as it does in war, we all need to willingly pitch in!

Henry Druckerman, Bluffton

Increase letters

While newspapers are experiencing reduced readership, diminishing advertising and heavy competition from other sources, one component that makes this form of media unique is the publishing of letters to the editor.

As local news reporting dwindles, letters to the editor are a critical section to expand. The Packet has gone in the opposite direction. Fewer letters and fewer days for letters.

The voice of the people needs an outlet and newspapers have the best potential to provide it. Numerous local and state issues benefit from perspectives offered by readers.

Readers should be encouraged to write letters. Topics that could provide valued dialogue include the bridges/route 278 configuration, perspectives on open carry, COVID issues, the impact of immigration in the Lowcountry, affordable housing, availability of health services, etc.

I am a liberal and would have specific views on these issues while others on the other side of the spectrum might view things differently.

This is a public service which is a hallmark of local newspapers.

Let’s get the Packet back on track publishing letters daily.

Richard Hammes, Hilton Head

Rest in peace

As we said good-bye to one of the 20th century’s most honorable patriots and public servants, Bob Dole, I want to share my personal experience with his wonderful sense of humor.

I don’t remember why or when we Republicans were meeting in Atlanta in the early 90’s, but Senator Dole dropped in on a social gathering of our South Carolina group.

He took the mike to briefly address us and said, I paraphrase: “I love your Strom Thurmond. He’s my mentor. I watch every move he makes. If he eats a banana, I eat a banana.”

Well, it must have worked because both he and Senator Thurmond enjoyed long, productive lives. Rest in peace, Senator Dole.

Edie Rodgers, Beaufort

Choice and COVID

With SC’s legislature spending time and money to challenge masks and vaccinations and those opposed to abortion issuing “My body, my choice” challenges, it is important to remind ourselves what these mandates are about.

Ending the fear of COVID infection, hospitalization and death allow us to get around again. We can leave the isolation of our homes, go to work, church and school.

Our businesses can make the products we so crave and sell them to us.

When we wear a mask and get vaccinated, we are one step closer to life as we knew it.

Choice is a part of our health care. We choose to treat cancer, go to the dentist, even have our gallbladder removed when it screams at us. Abortion was made a health care choice 50 years ago with Roe v. Wade.

Diseases that are contagious remove “choice” from the equation because if you can infect other people, public health becomes more important.

My mother taught me about pregnancy, assuring me I could not get pregnant standing next to a pregnant woman or being sneezed on by a pregnant woman. Pregnancy is not contagious. COVID is contagious.

Choice; no choice.

Barbara B. Ernico, HIlton Head