In response to Chuck Annal’s letter of May 2, responding to my letter of April 24:
Paragraph One: Andrew Cuomo, Larry Hogan (a Republican), Gretchen Whitmer, Phil Murphy and others have said that after the virus there will be a “new normal.”
Paragraph Two: Several Democrats and the Center for Global Development have said: “Never let a crisis go to waste.” Seems like elation to push their agenda to me. “Better red than dead” was used by Jane Fonda and many in the anti-war movement of the 1960s; most have not changed their stripes.
Paragraph Three: On April 13, MSN.com reported: “In Michigan, the ban specifically stated that stores must close areas dedicated to carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries and paint.” Note: Public pressure forced Whitmer to reverse course. Correct, the governor or Virginia has closed gun ranges but has publicly stated that he wants to close gun shops.
Paragraph Four: CNBC.com, April 6: “New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday he is doubling to $1,000 the maximum fine for violating the state’s strict social distancing rules.” And, of course, just this last week he told the Jewish community to halt funeral gatherings or they would be fined. Bill de Blasio’s response was even more dictatorial.
I read news from the Monitor to Mother Jones to Salon to Fox to MSN to Daily Caller and beyond. I suggest that Annal broaden his understanding and seek “information” versus “validation” from his news sources.
BILL BUNKER
Barnstead