Letters: KC readers discuss COVID-19 learning, Trump at SCOTUS, occupational therapy
A firsthand look
As we experience a new spike in COVID-19 cases, I have a modest proposal for all those politicians such as Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt who daily call for no more lockdowns, no more mask requirements and no vaccine mandates.
Any politician who repeats Schmitt’s demands must visit at least one hospital to learn the status of COVID-19, learn who is most vulnerable to it and learn about the well-being of the health care workers caring for the patients. After the visit, the politician must hold a press conference about what he or she has learned and what steps we should take to end the pandemic.
I expect Schmitt, who is not a doctor, would be one of the first to undertake such an important fact-finding mission. I’m confident his press conference would be well covered by the Missouri media.
So as not to inconvenience him at this time of year, I have no problem if Sen. Josh Hawley visits a hospital in Virginia.
- Robert Yates, Kansas City
Time for justice
The recent release of a report of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform shows that Donald Trump directed his administration to interfere with the nation’s COVID-19 response by weakening Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and neglected the pandemic response.
He made “deliberate efforts to undermine the nation’s coronavirus response for political purposes,” the report concluded. Just one example: After a Feb. 25, 2020, warning from the CDC about the dangers of the virus, Trump blocked the health agency’s requests to conduct public briefings for three months.
With this new information, I believe that the U.S. Department of Justice should charge Trump, his administration and the members of Congress who promoted his lack of response with manslaughter for the senseless deaths of more than 800,000 citizens of this nation. His arrogance and personal disregard for the safety of the people of this country should not go unpunished.
- David Goettel, Independence
Be done with it
Just because Donald Trump asks the Supreme Court for something, that doesn’t mean the justices have to give it to him.
The Supreme Court turns down hundreds if not thousands of appeals and petitions every year. When it does, it has the effect of leaving the lower courts’ decisions in place.
If the Supreme Court simply refuses to hear Trump’s appeal of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling against him regarding his desperate attempt to hide evidence of his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection, that decision will be final. (Dec. 24, 1A, “Trump asks high court to block release of Jan. 6 records”)
Maybe then we, the American people, would finally learn the truth about how such an attempted coup could occur. This course of action might even provide the court’s three Trump-appointed toadies with enough of an explanation or excuse to keep him from getting mad at them.
- Larry Schaffer, Kansas City
Real-life solutions
Occupational therapy, or OT, encourages individuals of all ages and diagnoses to maximize their independence through meaningful and purposeful activities that we call therapy. Our Vision 2025 statement as created by the American Occupational Therapy Association affirms that we are an inclusive profession. OT maximizes an individual’s health, well-being and quality of life.
As COVID-19 tries to divide us as a community, occupational therapy works to bring us together by making resources more accessible. OT provides services that are customized and culturally responsive for the individual receiving therapy. For example, if a client lives at home or is moving back and is having trouble getting around the home, we can help make that living area more accessible. This could be adding grab bars in the bathroom or giving clients the resources they need to provide ramps into their homes.
Occupational therapy works to help people have a better tomorrow through customized services. We would love to help you or a loved one.
- Elizabeth Bechard, Overland Park