LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘American Times’

We are not the same country. America is different today than we were one week ago. We are moving at a different pace; many things have come to a standstill, WOW … who would have thought.

I feel like I am living a surreal dream! This stuff only happens in the movies! Our lives have been totally upended since last Monday.

We are Americans, we are rugged, we are resolute, we change and we are disciplined, we have self-control. Panic is a waste of energy and it is exhausting.

Individually, we can make a difference. This can be a time to give, pitch-in, help-out, check on your neighbor, buy groceries for someone who is not able to move about; a time to be kind. We should be sensitive to other’s needs, but tend to ourselves and our families as well.

Be informed, do not be complacent and be pro-active. Uncertainty is prevailing. One minute we are enjoying the “bounties of life” and the next minute, our world is upside down.

Do not lose your faith and continue to focus. We are in this together and we are not a helpless lot. Show generosity and be gracious.

Yes, it is really easy to write this stuff; probably harder to get a handle on the current situation. But let us remain strong and vigilant.

A CV-19 test is not going to change you, nor will it change what you do to take care of yourself. Our challenge is to regain health and spread immunity in our community.

There is always opportunity in every situation and this is no different. We will prevail.

Our president is tough and he is leading the charge. He is working around the clock with health experts, the private sector and leaders from around the world.

I believe he will help lead us to be a stronger and healthier America. The American times of today shall pass and we will become a better America of tomorrow.

Elle Feldman
Pacific Palisades

‘Keep Out’

On March 17 Rick Caruso, with good intentions, sent an email to the Palisades residents inviting the community to gather in its parks. Although it asks people to use social distancing, I felt this email potentially causes a dangerous situation.

People go to the parks to see people and will probably mingle with friends. Dogs will not know the rules and pull people together. There is already a problem of people in crowds keeping social distance, as shown in the Florida beaches, the Santa Monica stairway and other places.

I have twice telephoned Rick Caruso’s office and informed them of my opinion. I pointed out the state, county and city executed orders for everyone to stay in. The county and city specifically ordered we stay out of parks and playgrounds.

I strongly suggested Caruso end any possible confusion and send out an email rescinding his offer and suggested he might notify that they’re working on ways for the vendors to sell online and/or he could supply workers to make food deliveries to the elderly.

I don’t know if the March 17 email caused people to co-mingle in the parks are not. But he did say therein they are keeping lights on at night so the community can use the parks.

It might benefit the community if Caruso sent out a corrected email that rescinded the invitation for the community to gather in his parks. Until then, someone should post a sign under those lights that says: “Keep Out.”

Paul Morantz