Letters: KC readers discuss playing politics with COVID-19 numbers and masking right

In this together?

Toward the beginning of Kansas Policy Institute CEO Dave Trabert’s guest commentary in the Friday Star, he states, “COVID-19 is a serious situation,” then he spends the rest of the column using data to convince us it really isn’t. (9A, “Informed Kansans can make their own COVID-19 decisions”)

It is obvious that nowadays, using data to make your case will never convince anyone. They’ll interpret the same data differently or even call it fake news. We’ve been told the real number of COVD-19 cases is five times, perhaps even 20 times, more than reported. Does that make things worse or better?

Trabert and his ilk should just admit they believe no number of cases and deaths justifies shutting down and requiring masks.

He finishes with, “We love the liberties afforded us in our constitutional republic.” I’d like to hear his position on speed limits, seat belt laws, restrictions on public smoking and other infringements on personal liberties designed to protect our fellow Americans.

- Terry Putney, Prairie Village

Mask up right

Now that Kansas Citians will be wearing masks the next several months, maybe someone will take the time to show people how to wear them. I see so many of them being worn below the nose, and I even saw a Kansas City councilwoman wearing one upside down.

It’s not rocket science, people. I’m thanking you in advance.

- Bob Berry, Oak Grove