Opinion

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Fauquier Times | Arpil 1, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

How to pay for COVID-19 crisis

Possible sources of income for our government to battle the economic struggle from the efforts of the coronavirus: 1.Take 5% from all Social Security checks for a minimum of three months. 2.Take 10% from checks of all high-level federal, state and local government employees. Including the House and Congress. Active and retired. 3.Ask for donations from all wealthy sports and entertainment figures, active and retired. Donors names and amounts to be posted. 4.Ask for donations from all wealthy Americans. Especially millionaire and billionaires. Names and amounts to be posted.

It is time for all Americans who are able to step up and help fellow Americans in this critical time. These amounts could be enormous and in the long run help all of us greatly.

RICHARD CANNEY Warrenton

Dear darling grandchildren…

You have been away from your regular schooling and at home with your moms and dads for almost two weeks now. I hope this has been a time for closeness and lighthearted fun as well as work and study.

I have heard rumors that some children have reported that they are bored. Please understand that boredom in these times is not an option! There is the mistaken assumption among some that intelligent children are easily and frequently bored. I disagree! Throughout my life I have noticed that intelligent, resourceful, and imaginative people are never bored. This also holds true for children.

There are so many ways to learn, to grow, and to be helpful to others. Let’s start by listing a few of them: • Make your bed, every day, as soon as you get up. • Clean up your room; learn to use the family washing machine and dryer to keep your clothes clean, dry and folded. • Help your parents cook and help them clean up the kitchen afterward. • If you have schoolwork assigned, begin it right after breakfast; try to finish it before lunch! • Outside, help to pull weeds and pick up trash in your yard. Then, find a place to plant a small vegetable garden. Right now, plant peas, lettuce and radishes. Watch out for hungry bunnies! • Ask one or both of your parents to take a walk with you each day. Take time to play charades, Monopoly or your favorite card game with your parents. • Use the family computer to learn about these terms: pandemic; plague; vaccine; immunity; courage, empathy and gratitude. Researching these terms will lead you to other explorations. • Plan to read at least one book a week;

Think about your family and your teachers. You could write letters to your teachers, thanking them for helping you learn and asking how they are spending their time away from school.

If you have had a birthday recently, make a list of the gifts you received and who gave you the gifts. Begin with your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Write them thank you notes. In handwriting, preferably cursive! If your parents try to tell you what to say, politely tell them you will be happy to do it yourself! Write a thank you letter to the president, your governor and first responders at your local firehouse or hospital. Tell them what their care for our country, your state, and your community means to you.

Begin a daily diary, with illustrations. Do your very best to describe what you are hearing and seeing and how you are feeling and thinking at this time. Ask your grandparents and older relatives what they know or remember about World War II; the Vietnam War; 9/11; polio, and tuberculosis. Write down in your diary what they tell you. Sometime several months from now, put your diary away for safekeeping. Hang on to it forever. If your parents have taught you how to pray, and even if they haven’t, ask the good Lord to watch over you, your family and our country.

With love always, GRANDMA (JOAN CATON ANTHONY) Warrenton

We should be rallying together during this crisis

We see uplifting news of people helping each other in ways great and small as we weather this pandemic. I wondered, what might be happening in our own community? It would be great to read stories of that nature as this crisis continues to unfold and to know more about what we can do to help. I have contemplated several ideas: phone buddies who would volunteer to hold regular calls (even FaceTime) with individuals who are alone, lonely and perhaps anxious; notecard buddies who would send a nice, positive note in the mail to our nursing home residents; volunteers who will shop for groceries and other supplies for the homebound; or even, reading circles consisting of individuals who volunteer to read to children through a virtual platform. These are just a few concepts that might make a difference and no doubt, there are many others.

How do we find out about local efforts to reach out to our neighbors? I’m hoping that by writing this letter, our news organizations can help to publicize those opportunities. In the meantime, heartfelt thanks to our health care, mail and package delivery, grocery and retail workers and others who are on the frontlines of this battle taking care of us all! God bless you.

KATHRYN KADILAK The Plains

Editor’s note: The Fauquier Times is trying hard to keep up with the stories of neighbors helping neighbors. Some of the tales make it into the print copy, but there are so many … See “Viral Good News,” our special page devoted to positive stories at Fauquier.com.

Writer agrees with Ellsworth Weaver’s comprehensive approach to black history

I am writing in response to the article “NAACP agenda includes education, activism and communication,” written in the Fauquier Times on Feb. 27. In the article, Ellsworth Weaver talks about how, in our public schools, the history of slavery is told very briefly, and many students only know the one story that is being taught to them. I fully agree with Weaver when we say that students need to be educated on this topic more in depth, because it has shaped the United States into what it is today.

There is a middle school in our county that used to be a school for only colored people, and I believe and agree with Weaver stating that it should be a part of the history we learn.

Weaver states that in general there needs to be communication within the county to create more knowledge on history, so that a deeper understanding can be created, and so that people can form their own opinions from that point on.

He says that there are generational differences, and that there is a gap between what he learned when he was a student and what students learn today. It needs to change because students who are in high school now may only learn and experience the very short version of what has happened, and they also probably learn from what their parents may tell them as well. I think Ellsworth Weaver makes very clear and relevant points throughout the whole article.

MADISON HARMON Goldvein

A plea for praying instead of complaining

Two of your readers complained about President [Donald] Trump. These readers need to spend time praying instead of complaining. God answers prayers!

I would suggest they read the Prayer of St. Francis, it is a wonderful prayer, and a prayer we all should pray daily.

KATHY CEBROWSKI Warrenton

Letters to the Editor The Fauquier Times welcomes letters to the editor from its readers as a forum for discussion of local public affairs subjects.

WRITE: Letters to the Editor 41 Culpeper Street Warrenton, VA 20188 FAX: Editor 540-349-8676 EMAIL: news@fauquier.com Letters must be signed by the writer. Messages sent via email must say “Letter to the Editor” to distinguish them from other messages not meant for publication. Include address and phone for verification (Not to be published.) Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Personal attacks will not be published. Long letters from those with special authority on a current issue may be treated as a guest column (with photo requested). Due to volume, letters cannot be acknowledged. All letters are appreciated. Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Wednesday publication.

A pandemic is painful enough; don’t let it fuel racism against Asian Americans

As the dreaded COVID-19 spreads across the world, another infectious disease is expanding just as rapidly: racism. Whether it be as simple as weird looks on the street or as violent as aggressive mob attacks, Asian Americans have been targeted; they have been verbally and physically assaulted these past few months because of their race.

People are also calling the virus insensitive nicknames such as the “Chinese Virus” or the “Kung Flu.” These racist nicknames have even been utilized by our own president and other politicians, which is horrifying.

As an Asian American, I have noticed this xenophobia taking hold of the people around me where it had not previously existed. Before the virus had become this serious and people were still going out in public, I would often get strange stares from people as I walked down the sidewalks and some would inch further away. Whenever the virus would be mentioned in class, some heads would turn toward me or other Asian American students.

One of the most upsetting experiences occurred when I was walking in the park. As I passed a lady and her children, the mother frowned at me and then pulled her children away from where I was walking. It saddens me that this woman felt so threatened by me simply because of my race.

It's absolutely disgusting that the fear of this virus has manipulated the common sense of mankind. My experience just goes to show that racism exists everywhere, even in quiet communities like Fauquier.

I can’t believe that some people in our world are still so ignorant or apathetic to how their actions and fears are hurting others. These are real people. This racism is hurting me. It’s hurting my family. It’s hurting my friends. It’s hurting every

one in the Asian community. I find it extremely sad that people need to be reminded of this. My message to those uncomfortable with Asians during this time, or any time for that matter, is this: We cannot let fear lead our actions and words. By associating the virus with China or Asians with nicknames and jokes, we are creating negative stereotypes that could promote further racism. Even if people disagree that it does this, it is still harming the Asian communities and we must always remain sensitive to this.

It deeply hurts me to know that this racism persists in the U.S. and even in our local Fauquier County. These are innocent people, men, women, even children, who are being attacked and did nothing to deserve this hate. I hope with light now being shined on this, we as a society can work to amend this pressing issue.

RACHEL SINGLETON Fauquier High School Falconer editor in chief

Now more than ever, your home is your safe house. In order to prevent and slow down the spread of COVID-19, social distancing measures must be taken.

Social distancing means putting physical distance between yourself and other people — in this case, about 6 feet. This reduces the opportunities for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to spread from human to human.

As a student and young teen, I can say that this is a quite difficult and confusing situation. To go from seeing your friends and favorite teachers every day to being stuck in your house bored out of your mind is not something you or anyone can prepare

The power of social distancing

you for. Despite the boredom, I know that social distancing is the best option right now. It frustrates me to see teens going out to crowded public places with their friends, not considering who they may be infecting. Social distancing remains one of the best weapons we have to slow the silent spread of this virus and flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will give our health care professionals, hospitals and other institutions more valuable time to prepare, protect themselves and aid the many people whose lives may be threatened by this coronavirus. Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are working long hours and putting their lives on the line right now. As citizens, the best thing we can do to help them is by staying home.

Social distancing is important for all of us to take part in whether you are young, old or in-between. Although young and healthy people carry a quite low chance of death, they are still considered carriers, and can still pass the virus on to others. If I tested positive for COVID-19, I would not be fearful for my life.

However, I would worry for my relatives, such as my grandmother, who is 72 years old with stage-four ovarian cancer.

As frustrating and boring as social distancing can be, it is quite necessary. A person may leave their house and grab a bite to eat and think nothing of it, when in reality they’re causing more harm than they know. When grocery shopping, people should be required to wear face masks and gloves as soon as they walk in. In order to stop this mess, people need to start taking social distancing more seriously.

To the people who are feeling anxious or restless during this time, your choice to self-isolate will benefit your community in the long run. If this pandemic isn’t contained, this novel coronavirus could well circulate for many months, at great peril to us and our loved ones.

MARGARET MCGEE Fauquier High School Falconer

Draft Warrenton comprehensive plan raises questions LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Planners for the Town of Warrenton are putting together a new comprehensive plan that would stretch public services and dramatically increase density and traffic while diminishing forever Warrenton’s small-town character.

The plan under consideration stems from concern that Warrenton is graying and must grow population and revenue to support town services. To do that and become a regional work/live community, according to one scenario, requires 23 percent population growth over the next 10 years, nearly twice the growth rate for Northern Virginia. New families and singles would be housed in three- to four-story apartments and town houses, sharply increasing density. More people will attract more retailers, planners say, while also attracting more traffic, crime and greater demand on the water and sewer system.

To create the Warrenton planners envision requires: • Building the Timber Fence Parkway to relieve congestion on Broadview and Lee Highway • Creating a southern bypass that links Va. 211 and U.S. 29 • Increasing the capacity of the sewer system • Replacing industrial land reserved for higher paying jobs with mixed use/residential development • Supporting more people in Warrenton is dependent on the availability of water. The background report for the comprehensive plan update suggests the town look into adding capacity to the town reservoir and revisiting the drought contingency reserve in an area that is no stranger to droughts.

All of these initiatives are costly and raise the prospect of a tax increase or annexation of more land, but the greatest cost may be the most dear. In straining to become what it isn’t — Leesburg, for example — Warrenton may lose forever the small-town charm that has defined it for 210 years.

Warrenton’s grow big/grow fast proposal raises serious questions: How many new residences can the town sustain within its current spending and taxation levels to provide increased services, bypasses, etc.? By what metric does rapid population growth contribute to the economic well-being of the town, its vitality and the quality of life of its residents?

What assurance do residents have that new, mixed-used developments will conform to the character of Warrenton rather than look-alike, stripmall modern?

Does town government have a revenue problem requiring a sudden infusion of population, or a spending problem?

Once the plan has been drafted, it will be sent to the Warrenton Planning Commission, likely this spring. The commission may ask for additional information — traffic projections, hidden costs of annexation, design criteria and more. Following the commission’s review, the plan will be sent to Town Council.

Although the complexion of the council will change after the May 5 election, the present council will be in office until July and poised to vote on the new comprehensive plan. Now is the time for more study and greater engagement by those who live here and everyone in Fauquier who has a stake in Warrenton.

CHRISTOPHER BONNER Board member, Citizens for Fauquier County Warrenton

A suggestion for coping with social isolation

Years ago, a friend of mine and I had planned on going out to dinner. However, we both were too tired after a hard day's work to go out "on the town." Our solution was to stay home, but we still wanted social interaction with one another. So, we both ordered pizza to be delivered to our respective houses. After deliveries were made, we called each other and talked on the phone while we ate our pizza in our own home while relaxing. We had a great time talking and eating without getting dressed up and going out. I thought this may be a solution for those who are staying at home and missing interaction with others. Even though we are isolated in our homes, we don't have to be isolated from one another; there are solutions. And there are now many alternatives to pizza.

ALICE FELTS Warrenton

1 rare features in a dress (7) ___________ 2 mix of different elements (11) ___________ 3 short vacation (5) ___________ 4 language you’re using now (7) ___________ 5 what cats do in defense (7) ___________ 6 barber pole features (7) ___________ 7 “checks & balances” business (7) ___________ Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle. © 2020 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel CLUES SOLUTIONS ST BIN CH ATI KETS 1 writer Agatha (8) ___________ 2 comedian Billy (7) ___________ 3 actress Daryl (6) ___________ 4 actor Topher (5) ___________ 5 singer Carmen (7) ___________ 6 baseball player Satchel (5) ___________ 7 poet Percy Bysshe (7) ___________ Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle. © 2019 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel CLUES SOLUTIONS 1 writer Agatha (8) ___________ 2 comedian Billy (7) ___________ 3 actress Daryl (6) ___________ 4 actor Topher (5) ___________ 5 singer Carmen (7) ___________ 6 baseball player Satchel (5) ___________ 7 poet Percy Bysshe (7) ___________ Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle. © 2019 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel CLUES SOLUTIONS

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