Leave schools to experts

President Trump put our elderly at risk re: the coronavirus pandemic. There was no realistic federal response under his leadership except to tell us it would soon go away. Perhaps his refusal to wear a mask was his policy. Then he pressured the governors to open up their states, which led to COVID-19 parties with young people and mobs everywhere ignoring social distancing. However, he did get his message through to the American people that you don’t need to wear a mask. We have seen the result: Record numbers of cases, many thousands of deaths and a hospital system on the verge of collapse.

Now President Trump wants to put our children and teachers in harm’s way by sending them to school this fall term. Imagine teachers trying to keep the kids safely separated from each other. Imagine them trying to have the kids keep their masks on. Our children will not be safe and, if there is an asymptomatic student in class, the virus will be brought home after school.

The president has even threatened to withhold federal funding for education if the states do not comply.

Our greatest responsibility is to our children. Donald Trump should not make this decision. Let the scientists, medical personnel, educators and the parents decide when and how school will be reopened for our children.

Neal and Barbara Rielly

Spokane