March 26, 2020
This is an open letter to President Donald Trump and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
Gentlemen,
I am deeply disturbed by the comments made in the last few days by both of you, Mr. President and Governor Dan Patrick. Mr. President, you have been talking for weeks about keeping the American people safe, getting cash to them, helping them to keep their jobs, so we can all stay safely out of the way of the Coronavirus. Suddenly you announce you want to reopen the country by Easter, have all churches packed by Easter. How many people in those packed churches in less than 3 weeks will have been exposed to the virus? How many people will get infected and this mess starts all over again.
Mr. Patrick, you have proclaimed that you are willing to die for the sake of the economy and you are sure others will agree. Should we open America back up for business? This will not help America, but this could destroy our country. Hospitals will be overwhelmed. Nurses and doctors will be in grave danger and more will die. Is our economy worth the lives of the American people? Most at risk will be the elderly, the infirm and the healthcare workers on the front lines. Are you ok sacrificing these people? Remember, you are both elderly, Mike Pence is a senior citizen. The average age of the House is about 60 years old.
Will the children and grandchildren of America be happy to sacrifice their parents and grandparents for a successful life of privilege and wealth? Is that what brings joy, happiness, peace, love? I have two close friends who have recently lost a father who was 64 and a grandmother who was in her 90’s. These “young” people are affected daily by their loss. Their grief is deep and their time of mourning, painful. A little boy in my kindergarten class has crying fits over losing his elderly grandmother. Can you imagine telling these people, don’t worry it’s ok, they died for you and for me so we can live in a rich country and maintain the American dream?
We have a history in America that brings shame to us. The African slave was said not to be truly human, the only value they had was to make their owners wealthy. Their family unit had no value, motherhood had no value. Their opinions, desires, hopes, and dreams had NO value.
The Native Americans had no significance to the US government. Only the land was important. The government tried to destroy their culture, their language, and their people.
I could go on, but I will not. I think I made my point clear.
The Word of God says,
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27)
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18, 19)
For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; (Psalms 139: 13-14)
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
(Psalms 92:14-15)
God will see us through this pandemic, He will restore our country and we will prosper if we do not give in to fear or greed. God placed you both in the position you have and I hope you will rise up and honor God’s people and your own families.
Sincerely,
Mary Gross Prater, teacher, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and prayer warrior
