No reason to continue lockdown
I was at the protest today (Friday, May 1) by the old county building, with people who are demanding an end to the lock-down of the island, and I saw a couple photographers and heard that at least one of the was from The Garden Island. I hope this demonstration gets some coverage in the paper. By my count and by friends at the rally we noted between 125 and 150 participants, plus an enthusiastic response from motorists on Rice Street.
Today’s protest brought together a very diverse group of people with all sorts of political views. There were Native Hawaiians, haoles, long-time residents, malahinis, people from all walks of life, but the one thing we all had in common was that we want the island and its businesses to open up.
I’m retired and draw a military pension. I don’t have to work, but I was there in support of those people who are really HURT from this shutdown. They want to get back to work. They need to get back to work. One guy said he had just $68 left to live on. There are no corona cases left on the island. There are no longer any good reasons to continue to shut things down. Other states with far more corona cases are starting to reopen. Kaua‘i should, too, and the rest of the state.
A week ago you published a letter from some woman who said that those who wanted the restrictions lifted and to be able to return to work were “selfish.” I see things quite differently. I see this woman as extremely selfish, who cares only about herself and her safety and is living in fear in her house.
And, yes, the media has stirred up some frightening fears over this virus. Never mind that the death rate outside of New York City is less than seasonal flu. But if this woman wants to hunker down and hide in her home, fine. We aren’t asking her to come out. She can stay holed up until they come up with a vaccine, if that ever happens. Meanwhile, she shouldn’t be so selfish to demand that everybody else hides away, too.
Cmdr. Ken Fasig, USN (ret.), Kalaheo
