Gov. Phil Murphy tried to do the right thing by not including gun shops as “essential businesses” that could remain open under the COVID-19 stay at home rules. It is very unfortunate that the Department of Homeland Security has overruled his attempt to protect the people of New Jersey. Amnesty International has fought to end the epidemic of gun violence in the U.S. — a health crisis in its own right. It is more important than ever to continue these efforts.

Victims of domestic violence and their children are now forced to spend long periods of time in close quarters with their abusers. The presence of guns makes this even more dangerous because women are three to five times more likely to be murdered in homes with guns. The isolation that we are all feeling increases suicidal thoughts, which can quickly lead to death by suicide when guns are present. Xenophobia and racism have increased dramatically during the Trump presidency, and this trend is likely to worsen as immigrants and minorities are scapegoated for the pandemic. This may result in more hate-motivated mass shootings like the one in El Paso.

Larry Ladutke, New Jersey Legislative Coordinator, Amnesty International USA

Column shows the value of teachers

Steve Politi’s wonderful column, “Home-schooling’s lesson: Appreciate teachers” should be a reminder to all of us just how important teachers are, and always have been, in so many of our lives. It is one of the most important yet unappreciated professions in the world.

As parents finish up another day of helping their children with distance learning, it would be nice for them to then email a teacher to let them know how much they are appreciated.

Terry McConnell, Warren

Limit Trump on TV

The responsible elements of the media are to be applauded for the essential work they are doing in disseminating accurate medical information and steps we all should take to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. The same cannot be said of our president.

The media should consider spending less time on presidential coverage, which spreads misinformation, and more time on the substance of what is and is not being done. Every presidential utterance does not need to be televised. The media can fulfill its important public function of informing the citizenry without becoming the involuntary transmitter of lies and a coopted vector in the spread of propaganda-like falsehoods. Presidential pronouncements can, for example, be placed in context and their accuracy or inaccuracy explained without always being televised.

Our current president is no JFK or FDR. His remarks bring neither confidence nor comfort. They contain neither candor nor compassion. He has forfeited any claim to constant air time.

James B. Kobak Jr., Jersey City

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