Check the numbers

It is unfortunate you chose to publish “Assuming the best” (Letters, July 15) which includes the same COVID-19 misinformation public health officials have been battling. “The data has shown that masks did not prevent the spread of the virus” is wrong, as numerous studies have shown. One need only look at the much higher rate of COVID-19 deaths per population in “maskless” South Dakota compared to Minnesota. Secondly, the claim “experimental viruses have come with many warnings and a multitude of side effects — some deadly” is at best sensationalized and at worst misleading. Anyone who has taken medicine knows every intervention today comes with many warnings about side effects — why should a new vaccine be any different? Fact: After 334 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the US, less than a handful of deaths are linked to the vaccine. If those 334 million were infected with COVID-19, we would expect about 4.2 million to die. So when people say they fear an outcome that may happen in handful of cases to one that will happen over 4 million times, you can gently remind them that while the faithful should rely on God, God is ok with us using a little math from time to time.

Mike Hess
Holy Family, St. Louis Park

Concern for the unborn?

George Floyd died 12 minutes from DeLaSalle, and Planned Parenthood is 12 minutes from DeLaSalle. Why are DeLaSalle students and staff more distraught about his death than the MILLIONS of babies who are being killed at PP (“Schools help students talk through feelings about Floyd’s death, Chauvin trial,” May 27)? Student Sasha Kirk’s friends speak as if police being around their houses is a bad thing. Sadly, aborted babies will never be face to face with the police. Principal Erin Healy wants “…each life (to be) valued and seen as a child of God.” Where is her desire for the unborn to be valued and seen as such? I pray counselor Kia Burton focuses on students who are distraught over the millions of babies being murdered 12 minutes from DeLaSalle. Flowery words “open dialog” “share their feelings” “nice and calm space” should be replaced with “God forgive PP” “pray to end abortion” and “prayer vigils at PP” if DeLaSalle were honest.

Karla McNallan
Epiphany, Coon Rapids

‘Put it beautifully’

“Communion and Social Justice” article in July 15 edition (“Letters”) sure put it beautifully. “Do this in memory of me.” And “Assuming the Best” (July 15 Letters) sounds like a truly Christian way to respond. Thanks for the reminders.

Esther Lenartz
St. John Neumann, Eagan

Ministry needed

I am wondering why in this large Archdiocese there is no longer an Office for Separated and Divorced Catholics? There are large numbers of people who could be served through this ministry. This is especially true since there is so much misunderstanding concerning this topic and separated and divorced Catholics. Some people wrongly believe they are no longer the church or members of the church community once they are divorced. Some people don’t realize that there are numerous reasons to be able to get an annulment because one’s marriage was not Sacramental from its beginning. These, and many other issues could be addressed by having an Office for Separated and Divorced Catholics. It is an injustice not to serve this group of Catholics.

Jeanne Conant
St. John the Evangelist, Little Canada