To the editor, In the world of statistics, Tennessee is ranked #16 on the population scale, just shy of 7,000,000. In the world of education, Tennessee is ranked #35, with higher education’s rating at 23 and pre-K-12 at 38. In the world of health, we are ranked #43. Considerations in this category were access, quality, and public health in general...
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To the editor,
In the world of statistics, Tennessee is ranked #16 on the population scale, just shy of 7,000,000.
In the world of education, Tennessee is ranked #35, with higher education’s rating at 23 and pre-K-12 at 38.
In the world of health, we are ranked #43. Considerations in this category were access, quality, and public health in general.
And in the newest “world,” (drum roll, please)...IN THE WORLD OF PANDEMICS, TENNESSEE IS IN THE TOP TEN FOR THE MOST COVID19 CASES IN THE UNITED STATES!
“Governor Lee has disregarded repeated recommendations from the White House Task Force and from Dr. Birx to implement a statewide mask mandate.” This was at the end of summer and mentioned in a T-G article dated 10-30-20. He said the state was in a good position and that the people thanked Donald Trump. (I don’t remember voluntarily signing that card of gratitude.)
On 10-28-20, when Gov. Lee was asked about the latest report where we gained our top ten status...”We believe the strategy we’re taking is the right one and the best one.” He still resists calls for a statewide mask mandate. But he is encouraging more testing in rural areas.
Notices on business doors state that masks must be worn by employees and clients entering the establishments. Yet a good percentage of people who feel their freedom is being taken away ignore this notice and, thereby, jeopardize the freedom of others to remain healthy.
Gov. Lee is handling the pandemic like Donald Trump. Lee is the president of Tennessee and the counties are his states, mostly red, a few blue. He has decided it is in his best interest to delegate Covid19 decision-making to locally-elected officials (mostly red, a few blue). The governor’s current term ends in 2023, and it seems he doesn’t want to offend the non-mask wearing voters in the state.
One more world to discuss where we are ranked high. In the world of economy, Tennessee ranks #12. This category includes business environment, employment, and growth. Rest easy, “Lee keeps one eye on the economy.” Here’s hoping he starts to keep his other eye on the virus. The health of the state and its economy go hand-in-hand.
Ellen Federowski
Shelbyville
