Fearful and hopeful
The solution of the coronavirus crisis is twofold: [1] keep and make people healthy; and [2] enact radical legislation. For example: grant healthcare for all, cancel student debt, and halt global warming. This time is fearful but also hopeful.
Moments of shock are profoundly volatile. We either lose a whole lot of ground, get fleeced by elites and pay the price for decades.
Or we win progressive victories that seemed impossible just a few weeks earlier. This is no time to lose our nerve.
The future will be determined by whoever is willing to fight hardest. Let us all now engage in the struggle for progressive change.
Rev. Finley Schaef
Saugerties
Blue tinted glasses
I recall the mood of this country after we were attacked on 9/11. We came together as Americans and the partisan feelings were put aside. Today we have another national crisis, COVID-19, and we have Tom Cherwin seeing a “silver lining” in this disaster as a means to defeat our current President come November. Perhaps Mr. Cherwin’s glasses are so deeply tinted blue that he fails to see what the shortcomings are of his party’s presumptive choice.
1. Joe Biden and the MeToo movement: Several women have come forward to say how uncomfortable Biden made them feel with his inappropriate touching and kissing. He’s apologized for his behavior, but says he’s a touchy, feely kind of guy. His actions have earned him a nickname: “Gropin Joe”.
2. During his recent campaign stop at a Michigan factory he was asked about his stand on the second amendment and went off on a expletive filled tirade and threatened the factory worker to a fight. Google it, there’s a video clip.
3. What has he accomplished in over 40 years as both a state senator and former vice president? Very short list for that length of time in so called public service.
4. Read the Washington Post article from March 12, 2020: “It’s fair to speculate whether Biden is mentally fit to be president”. It’s a must read and his gaffes are too numerous to list here.
Gregory Kleen
Saugerties
Diet and nutrition for the immune system
How does taking down our economy and bankrupting countless thousands of small businesses make sense? We all know the narrative: we need to mass quarantine to protect the elderly and vulnerable. How about we selectively quarantine just that segment of the population, which would effectively accomplish the same goals. We would be able to continue to have a prosperous economy to support this intervention without destroying economic stability and the resulting massive collateral damage.
How about we educate people on how to strengthen the immune system with diet and nutrition. Making the body healthy enough to navigate the world and environment successfully. The truth is viruses don’t kill people; a weakened immune system unable to metabolize what’s happening outside of the body ,overwhelms the internal processes of the body. The body actually comes from this “outside” environment which is temporarily perceived as separate but, in reality is one and the same. In other words, ultimately the outside becomes and is the inside!
Once this is understood, health is all about maintaining balance between the internal and external environments. This is the main function of the immune system. This can be supported by consuming a nutritionally dense diet (whole grains, organic foods, traditional fats etc.), nutraceuticals (Vitamins A, D, C, and minerals like Zinc, Iodine etc) and herbs (substances that download chemical information from the external world) and stress management.
In these times of fear and chaos, let us not forget logic and common sense.
Mark Colligan, D.C.
Saugerties
Stay Safe
This is an unsettling time for our country and our community. Please know that your elected leaders and public health officials are working around the clock to address this public health emergency. Every day more and more is being done to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), increase testing capabilities, provide critical care to those who need it, and ensure that you and your family are kept informed.
It is important to remember that we need to be prepared, not scared. Heed the advice of public health experts who agree that the most effective way to “flatten the curve,” or slow the spread of the virus, is to practice social distancing.
Below is some helpful information regarding COVID-19:
How can you be infected? Coronavirus can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because these droplets can travel up to six feet, public health experts advise maintaining six feet of distance from others. The virus can also remain on a surface or object and enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. This is why it is important to wash your hands before touching your face.
How long does it take to show symptoms after being infected? It takes 2 to 14 days to develop symptoms after exposure to the virus. The average is about 5 days.
What are the symptoms? Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath
When should you seek testing? If you are exhibiting symptoms; If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus; If you have recently traveled to one of the high-risk countries.
Except in the case of an emergency, please call your healthcare provider before seeking treatment in person. While it is normal to feel anxious, there are ways to take control of the situation and be prepared. Take the following precautions to keep yourself and our community safe: Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds; Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; Avoid physical contact like handshakes and hugs.
Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid large crowds. Abstain from unnecessary travel.
What is the difference between “Safer at Home” and “social distancing”? Safer at home is a stricter form of social distancing. There are some differences. Safer at home means: Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others); Only go out for essential services; Stay six feet or more away from others; Don’t gather in groups.
During this national emergency, it is imperative that we unite as a community, follow the advice of experts, and take personal responsibility for our actions to #SlowTheSpread of coronavirus. Below is a list of state and local resources to help you through: Ulster County COVID-19 Hotline 845-443-8888; COVID19.ulstercountyny.gov; COVID19.ulstercountyny.gov/Project-Resilience: Ulster County’s Project Resilience is a community fund and local food distribution effort to support residents. Individuals can apply for assistance, and those with the ability, can donate to the fund; coronavirus.health.ny.gov; NYS Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Al Bruno
Legislator, District 2
Saugerties
Protect The Health Care Workers
Personal protective equipment, specifically, N 95 masks, gowns and gloves, are needed and have been needed for our health care workers in Ulster County and across New York state. This is an emergency. If health care workers do not receive this protective gear immediately, they will become infected with the Covid-19 virus, their patients will risk becoming infected, and their families will be at risk.
Politicians make statements, hotlines are set up with no answer to this question. Where is the protective gear and if we’ve run out, what are you doing about it?
The governors of Michigan and New Jersey must have made requests because both states received equipment from the national stockpiles. How much is in the national stockpiles? Who is asking?
National Nurses United has a petition that anyone can sign asking for the life saving equipment that they need. I urge you all to sign it. This isn’t about waiting until everyone needs to be hospitalized and on ventilators. We need to prevent the spread of this deadly disease!
I will mention that Bernie Sanders has addressed this. He is fighting for these health care workers. He and his supporters also raised two million dollars in just days to support organizations such as meals on wheels that can help the ordinary working Americans of this country.
Lisa Jobson
Lake Hill
Join the family! 
