Letters to the Editor: Lexington Public Library a ‘lifesaver’ during pandemic

Library applauded

This is a “thank you” to the Lexington Public Library. So many people have been homebound over the past few months and it has been wonderful to discover the library’s stock of online downloadable ebooks and audiobooks that allow you to borrow books using digital content.

I prefer audiobooks, and have often found that I am compelled to listen to some books in one sitting. In these extraordinary COVID-19 times where our movements are restricted, the LPL audiobooks have been a lifesaver.

Elizabeth Pattengill, Lexington

Sign of care

My Facebook feed recently had a posting that read: “If there was a safe medication you could take that would significantly reduce your chances of getting COVID-19, would you take it?” Well, wearing a mask is a simple step to take to produce those same results. Yet, so many Americans refuse to take that step to protect themselves and their fellow citizens. I do not get it. Some stores have signs reading “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” I wonder if these non-mask wearing people take off their shirts and shoes before entering the store to prove their right to do as they please. I think not. So, to my fellow Americans, I say: Wearing a mask is an outward and visible sign that you care about others and are willing to do what you can to stem the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barbara Plymale, Lexington

Wear one anyway

There have been several studies of masks in laboratory settings. The outcomes of these studies vary widely. There have also been population studies which examine mask behavior and the level of coronavirus infections. However these types of studies can only reveal correlations, not causation. Is it because people were wearing masks, or that there was more physical distancing within the population studied?

Other measures are more effective. Physical distancing is more effective. The evidence that proper ventilation lowers risk is much stronger than wearing masks. Crowded beaches are safer than crowded bars.

The lack of definite scientific evidence on the effectiveness of masks doesn’t mean they are unquestionably ineffective. We could learn later that masks are effective against the coronavirus.

I wear a mask when indoors outside of my home. It is something easy I can do to show I realize there is a pandemic, and that I care about my fellow human beings. It definitely doesn’t cause any harm, while not wearing them might later prove to be a mistake.

V. Nelson Barnes, Lexington

Statues ‘signposts’

The United States has always prided itself upon being the melting pot of the world, where people from all cultures can come to live and leave behind situations of prejudice, oppression, or danger. Our nation was founded by immigrants who thrived by embracing our national values while maintaining communities that honor and respect their individual attitudes, values, beliefs, and behaviors. We have been known as a society not afraid to invent and evolve, and in doing so have created the greatest prosperity of any nation on Earth.

At each stage of our development we have recorded the achievements of our men and women whose lives have embodied milestones in our journey forward into the future. While our history may not be perfect or comprehensive, it does provide a snapshot of the attitudes and mores of the time. Leave the statues and our other historical artifacts alone. Right or wrong, they were the United States at a time we traveled through and can never return to again. To remove these milestones using the 20/20 vision of hindsight deprives us, and future generations, of the signposts along our journey.

Banning K. Lary, Lexington

Racism a virus

Every time I see Breonna Taylor’s face, I mourn the loss of this beautiful woman whose gifts have been taken from us. When I walk, I think of Ahmaud Arbery and how his life was taken from us because he was running in black skin. I go to sleep thinking of George Floyd, and I wake up thinking of George Floyd. I pray for the strength and wisdom to honor these three and all those whose lives have been taken from us through hatred and violence. COVID-19 is not our only virus.

I can only hope that our collective conscience has been raised. Now we must do the work to bring good out of evil.

Judy Withers Burris, Lexington