Letters to the editor for April 15

Who do we want to be?

We are at a crossroads. You decide: Who are we as a people and a country? We and our ancestors only wanted more for the following generations. But in that push, we left out a lot.

The US used to think about what it took to make this country and tried to lead the world to a wonderful way of life — well, we used to. Now the worry is often: Can we afford the next cruise? Which team will win? What new restaurant can we try? Many don’t care about the planet or helping those in the world, or our country, who will feel pain first.

This virus put us here, but our outlook is one reason we are being hit hard. It’s not too late to change.

A new word: “Covidiots.” Pretty cute — but if they exist, we made them. Reality: Either they or someone they care about may be gone before this is over. Will you continue to distrust, not vote or touch ugly politics? Will you think only of yourself? Will you hoard or share with retirement homes or food banks?

Where do you stand? Who do you want to be?

Some alternatives: volunteer, give to parks, support local business instead of saving cents at the Dollar Store or Costco. While at home: write to politicians — thank them or deride them; write thank yous to businesses stepping up and to care providers; ditch texts, call people you know, touch them verbally.

It’s decision time.

The value of statistics

I recently read an article in The Smithsonian magazine about Florence Nightingale. In attempting to understand why so many died in field hospitals during World War I, she discovered that most died of not of combat wounds, but instead from unsanitary conditions. Nightingale came to believe that “using statistics to understand how the world works was to understand the mind of God.”

Profound any time. Even more so at this time.

Thank you, advertisers

As a devoted newspaper reader and supporter of the free press, I wish to thank Thurston County advertisers for continuing to support The Olympian. This is so important as many local newspapers in Washington state are having to shutter during the current pandemic, due to advertisers withdrawing financial support, depriving many communities from receiving valuable local news.

I depend on The Olympian to inform me about the community I live in. And I for one always try to support local businesses on a regular basis. So your advertising is helpful in making my shopping decisions.