The Need to Understand Public Health Emergency
Dear Editor: There has been a lot of talk about how our freedoms have been affected by vaccine mandates, masking, and social distancing, and other COVID restrictions. Yes, these restrictions have been difficult, and an initial concern about new vaccines is understandable. However, the pandemic has been a global public health emergency, meaning that, in order to get it under control worldwide, we must do everything our public health experts advise in an evolving situation.
Vaccines have now been on the market for over nine months. They have shown to be highly effective as over 95% of those hospitalized or dying now are unvaccinated. However, no vaccine of any kind protects 100%. Hence the need for almost everyone to be vaccinated and the increasing number of mandates.
When smallpox outbreaks happened in the early 1900s, public health personnel went door to door giving vaccines. After the polio scare, every child had to be vaccinated to attend school. Of course, there are always exceptions due to one’s medical conditions that may preclude them from taking a vaccine.
The media will, and should, continue to discuss the status of the pandemic and how best to protect ourselves in this evolving situation. Those that ignore it, or play it down, or present outright disinformation are doing a disservice to the American people. Unfortunately, they are many followers. While there is freedom of speech, false or twisted information is extremely harmful, if not potentially deadly to some people.
I feel for the millions of people around the world in the poorer countries, who still don’t have enough supply of the vaccine. Can you imagine how those people feel if they know that millions of doses here in the U.S. had to be thrown out because there were not enough takers?
Let’s realize that when we all cooperate with public health protocols, we are making it better for everyone. This is part of our Catholic mission — to care for others, as ourselves.
Beverly Slomka
Brooklyn
Next Bishop of Brooklyn
Dear Editor: The Diocese of Brooklyn will have a new bishop installed on Nov. 30. Bishop Robert Brennan of Columbus will be our new spiritual diocesan leader.
We should welcome him warmly and wish him Godspeed as he begins his position here.
We should also thank Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio for his 18 years of spiritual leadership in our diocese. May God bless him as he retires and we hope he will enjoy his retirement in good health.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
Vatican Cardinal’s Support Of President Biden
Dear Editor: Cardinal Peter Turkson, the top Vatican cardinal, claims that denying Biden communion is weaponizing the Eucharist. In fact, he is doing that very same thing. Truth and doctrine and the essential essence of Communion (Our Lord’s actual presence) cannot be smeared.
Biden’s pro-abortion stand mocks the very presence and sanctity of Communion.
Our Lord said in the scriptures if anyone causes harm to children they will be punished.
Either these Church leaders believe in Jesus’ words and teachings or not. The Lord emphatically stated, “be hot or cold or I will spit you out.”
We have weak ineffectual leaders. They politicize our faith incorrectly.
Saint Pope John Paul II stood for truth and did not worry about being politically correct. Our Church needs purging and dedicated Holy Warriors to be elevated.
Anne Balzer-O’Connell
Astoria
Honoring the Role of Women Religious
Dear Editor: A huge thank you for the articles about women religious and Mother Cabrini in last week’s issue (“Star Nuns: Four Sisters’ Big Role in Vatican Celestial Mapping Project” and “Mother Cabrini Monument Procession Is a Victory Lap for Diocese, Devotees,” Oct. 9).
After working with women religious for 23 years in the Archdiocese of New York, I hope that you will continue recognizing their many achievements over the years.
Helen Peterman
Whitestone