Thiessen an alt-right conspiracy troll

The balanced views of conservative editorialists in the ABJ often present facts that my favored sources overlook. Their alternative points are worth seeing to temper my own opinions. George Will, Michael Gerson, Charles Krauthammer (RIP) and others are all thoughtful, well-informed writers.

But I am disappointed to see less of them lately, replaced by an alt-right conspiracy troll (Marc Thiessen), who should have no place in a publication embracing journalism. In his 4/19 editorial headed The antidote to the virus is freedom, Mr. Thiessen did lay out intriguing information about Taiwanese successes achieved without having to subject their population to economic shutdown. Taiwan is a free society, contrasted with China, the totalitarian government he rightly chooses to shame.

Ironic that he never felt that the similar, head-in-the-sand actions of his fanboy hero might be relevant. He wrote that Taiwan triumphed over COVID-19 by acting fast on 12/31/19, taking proactive medical measures that nipped COVID-19 in the bud unlike China, which blew it. BAD China! Not to excuse them, but being first, China didnt have the luxury of data compiled and spoon-fed to their leader on what was happening on another continent, as we had. Trump had this information concurrent with Taiwan, along with every opportunity to act similarly and save the U.S. from our economic shutdown and massive loss of life. In the many hours of his rallies disguised as daily COVID updates, he has devoted a mere 4 minutes extending empathy for those who died needlessly, many from his own thoughtless quackery.

Too bad Thiessen cant overcome his bias to point fingers occasionally where they belong. Trump now demands that concerned governors Free us from the economic prison his willful ignorance condemned us to.

Alan Stauffer, Tallmadge

Uncertainty an added pandemic burden

As a clinical social worker, I have witnessed the impact of social isolation, financial losses and an uncertain future facing my patients, many of whom already experienced anxiety, depression or both. Uncertainty about the future is an added burden for everyone but particularly difficult for many, especially older individuals with additional physical risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and pulmonary disease.

One of the greatest sources of hope is accurate data about this disease, as the recommendations from government officials range from being based on existing scientific evidence as seen in Ohio to the frequent disconnect between scientists and other state and federal leaders. Many experts have said expanding our testing will help. Identifying individuals who have recovered and now have antibodies will help. I would also like to see a commitment to reporting the number of people who test positive but who are asymptomatic. This last piece of data is often left out.

I realize that reporting the high number of identified cases of the disease who are nursing home residents and staff in addition to health care professionals are important pieces of information, as extra measures of safety are needed to protect these individuals. However, what may decrease the anxiety among people who have not contracted the illness would be to balance the reporting of the horror stories one could experience if they became ill with the hope that not having any or mild symptoms is likely as well. Knowing what those percentages are would give us one more piece of useful information, and it might even have a calming effect.

Alan Kurzweil, Fairlawn

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Voice of the People: Columnist Thiessen an 'alt-right' conspiracy troll; uncertainty an added burden during pandemic - Akron Beacon Journal