Letters to the Editor - April 16, 2020
KUDOS TO CAPITALISM
The current health crisis should give us all a new appreciation for the free-enterprise system that allows for the abundant comforts and conveniences that we normally take for granted. Paper and plastic products are good examples of innovations without which we can hardly imagine modern life. They also contribute greatly to the mitigation of the coronavirus, whether at home or in a clinical environment.
During times of crisis, some tend to look toward government for solutions. We should rather remind ourselves that it is market capitalism (i.e., economic freedom) that is the fountainhead of our prosperity and health and, to a large extent, our happiness.
Rob Carew
Daniel Island
BELLS FOR BICYCLES, PLEASE
One of the great things about living on Daniel Island is the opportunity to walk and ride bicycles, and this is even more so during the current coronavirus restrictions. But there is also a problem because the walkers and the bikers, more often than not, share the same space: the sidewalks of Daniel Island.
I totally understand why people choose to ride their bikes on the sidewalks. I know that I would not want my child riding on the street with traffic, and especially in this age of texting and mobile phones when people’s attention tends to wander.
At the same time, I worry about sharing space with the bikers. On multiple occasions in the past two weeks, my husband and I have almost been sideswiped by bikers who came, unannounced, from behind us. Perhaps the bikers think that they can be heard, but that is often not the case, especially when there is traffic passing by on
the street or the walkers are conversing. One ill-timed, sudden step left or right to avoid something on the sidewalk could cause grave harm to both the walker and the biker.
I suggest there be a requirement for all bicycles to be outfitted with a bell. A bicycle bell is inexpensive and easy to install, and its ring can generally be heard over the noise of passing traffic. If all bikers had a bell, and used it when approaching walkers from the rear, it would greatly enhance the safety for all.
I am writing this letter in the hopes that Daniel Island bikers will read it, and use this simple tool so that all bikers and walkers can enjoy what they like to do without being concerned about injuring someone or being injured.
Susie Peiffer
Daniel Island
SO MUCH GOOD CLOSE TO HOME
The headlines appear grim these days, but if you look close to home, you’ll see so much good taking place! I am blessed to serve at an organization that provides daily meals and visits from a volunteer to our homebound neighbors.
This pandemic has forced major changes in how we operate, but we’re still sharing the love while not sharing the virus. Our deliveries are now once a week rather than daily, but our amazing volunteers are making phone calls each day to check on those we serve — the homebound, who are mostly elderly, and the most vulnerable.
This daily contact is critical to our recipients and their mental health.
As many of us have learned, being confined to our homes for days and weeks can make you stir-crazy. This is the reality our recipients live each day, and why this daily interaction is so important.
I would ask everyone in our community to take a look around your neighborhood — find that neighbor who lives alone and mostly isolated, and use this event as an opportunity to connect. Check on them to ensure they are OK. If you make a great home-cooked meal at your house, maybe share a plate with that neighbor while following all protocols and social distancing. Let them know they’re not forgotten, help them to find hope, and take just a few minutes to check on them, even if only by phone. You have no idea how much it will mean to them, and you will be surprised how rewarding it will be for you.
We will get through this, and hopefully, come out as an even more caring and compassionate community on the other side. Stay safe!
George Roberts,
President, East Cooper Meals on Wheels