Letters to the editor (April 2, 2020)
Applause for physicians
Various videos have been broadcast on the news and online recently showing people in Europe clapping and cheering for health care providers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. I’d like to add my own praise for physicians — both those combating this virus and those doing the ongoing, daily work of caring for our community.
March 30 was National Doctors Day, a date set aside to recognize physicians for their dedication and many contributions to society. Their hard work and devotion helps keep us healthy.
As the COVID-19 outbreak has shown, physicians, nurses and other medical staff sometimes expose themselves to personal risks in caring for others. Nationwide, dozens of health-care workers have fallen ill from the virus, and dozens more have been quarantined after exposure.
But even during normal times, physicians show great concern for their patients, their community and their profession. They view their role as a sacred calling and see the practice of medicine as a privilege.
One way our community can show appreciation and support is by making sure health care workers have the personal protective equipment they need during this crisis. The Medical Society of Sedgwick County spearheaded a donation drive for N95 masks. If you have extra unopened masks, consider mailing or delivering them to the Medical Society at 1102 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS, 67211.
Hoarding
The hoarding of items essential to everyone is sad and frustrating. Businesses everywhere need to limit quantities purchased of these essential items, whether it’s cleaning supplies, water or even toilet paper.
People, please remember we’re all in this together! It scares me to think how people would react if we have catastrophes in the future. Be kind — and fair — to your neighbors.
Move on
Hey, news media: We get it. Coronavirus is dangerous.
Drunk drivers, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, Alzheimer’s, lightning strikes, tornadoes, school shootings, terrorist attacks, earthquakes, avalanches, car accidents, alcoholism, drug addiction, home invasions, the flu, flesh-eating bacteria, mosquitoes, drowning, animal attacks, giving birth, train derailments, bad water — all are dangerous. Add it to the list, and let’s move on.
Mr. President, if you can’t come up with something positive to say, please be quiet.
Support local theater
Theater arts patrons, now is the time to step up to the plate.
Having worked extensively at Mosley Street Melodrama and Roxy’s Downtown for many years I can tell you, times are tough. If you’ve bought a ticket for a future production or are a season ticket holder, please don’t ask for your money back. Leave it there for these scary times. I know the theaters will let you use them for future productions. Artists and their staffs depend on your support.
If you really need that refund, I understand. Even better, call up and buy a gift certificate. If you’ve been to either theater, I know you’ve laughed or cried or smiled a lot. I ask as a friend, leave your money in those tickets. Trust me, it’s an investment that will create wonderful memories.
Thanks, Wichita, for supporting all local theater. And thank you for being a friend.