I was grateful for Jim Palermo’s column, “Seize the ‘Great Pause’ for Good.” (May 28) My mind has been preoccupied by similar thoughts. Why are institutions that are essential to a healthy democracy, like education, health care and infrastructure, begging for funds?
How have we allowed capitalism, an economic system, become our reigning ideology? Huge profits for the few have led to despair for the many. Just look at our suicide rates, drug addiction and gun violence. The racism we knew existed has become a bloody wound. Recent events have ripped us apart.
But I am finding hope amid the ruins. Maybe we’re learning something. Every day we celebrate those who put their lives in danger during this terrible time. Maybe we’ll learn to give those whose jobs we used to call menial and now deem essential a decent wage as well as respect.
Maybe we’ll fund education that is useful and enriching for all.
Mr. Palermo is very wary of STEM. I think science and math and technology are important (think of epidemiologists) but so are humanities. After all, they make us human. We need to know our history, we need the comfort and inspiration of poetry and music. We need to know how our forebears handled what they went through. We need joy and laughter. I personally need the faith I was brought up in.
When I hear about the generosity and sacrifice this crisis has brought about I realize we don’t live by greed alone. That gives me hope for a better America.
Eve Webster
Amherst