Letters to the editor for June 18

Why no tests for asymptomatic carriers?

I am completely amazed at how the COVID-19 narrative has had little emphasis on the need for finding the asymptomatic carriers of the virus.

While contact tracing is a good tool, it does not allow for those positive cases that are missed to be found and isolated.

President Trump refuses to acknowledge that complete and frequent testing is needed if we are to rid ourselves of this deadly disease. We need a leader in the White House who can unite us to work together, not a Divider in Chief.

Lee Bowman, Shelton

Where’s the ACLU?

I am a steadfast member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an organization founded to defend individual rights guaranteed by the US Constitution.

During this unprecedented pandemic threat, I also generally support the steps that Gov. Inslee and other government leaders have taken to protect public health and safety.

Lately, small numbers of people are protesting what they claim to be unconstitutional restrictions on their civil liberties and livelihoods. In this public health crisis, while I do not support the protestors’ objectives, I wish the ACLU would clearly articulate what additional powers governments might have during a pandemic, and address the civil liberty claims of the protesters. I urge the ACLU to identify criteria for what constitutes justifiable liberty restrictions for public health purposes, and to use that criteria to support or oppose government actions that have been under attack by people who feel their liberties have been unconstitutionally curtailed.

So far, the organization has been silent on this question. The courageous tradition of the ACLU calls for an outspoken response.

Daniel Farber, Olympia

What would Bud Blake do about the courthouse?

A recent letter touted Bud Blake’s leadership and willingness to listen, and then faults Commissioner John Hutchings’ vote to put to the people of Thurston County whether to build a new courthouse.

Is there anything in Mr. Blake’s military or civil experience that allows him to seriously question the need to replace our outdated and insecure courthouse? I suspect not, based on my recent first-hand experience serving as a juror. How then does Mr. Blake propose to replace it?

The people of our county cannot consider him worthy of their vote without knowing where he stands on this vital issue.

Dennis Niles, Olympia

Big Pharma offers platform to find help with prescriptions costs

In the midst of COVID-19, many Washingtonians may find it harder to afford their medicines. While America’s biopharmaceutical companies are working to develop treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, companies also are increasing efforts to help patients access other medicines they need.

Biopharmaceutical companies are expanding their patient assistance programs to help more people, even those who don’t have insurance.

PhRMA is working to help patients get connected to resources that could help alleviate out-of-pocket costs through its Medicine Assistance Tool, or MAT. Check out MAT, an online platform at www.mat.org that serves as a search engine designed to help patients, caregivers, and health care providers learn more about resources available to help patients access medicines.

Nick McGee, Olympia

Why do we let Trump get away with lies?

If your children lied like President Trump does, you would put them on time out — no TV, no phone calls, not going out to play ball and on, and on, and on.

But with President Trump, there is no punishment. He doesn’t pay for his lies but we do, our country does, and the world does.

We wait to hear some reprimands but there is only silence.

Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Trump lies while the virus consumes us,

Diana Williams, Lacey

Put on a mask

If, like President Trump, you refuse to wear a mask in public, you are as willfully and dangerously careless as he is.

A mask won’t prevent all cases of the virus, just some, and that’s a precaution worth observing. Moreover, a mask will reduce the likelihood of you infecting others when you become sick because you followed his no-mask example and other lunatic medical advice.

Chuck Magnusson, Lacey