Turn in census data

The U.S. census is wrapping up this month, and the response rate in Martin County is 72 percent, which compares favorably to the state rate of 74 percent. Still, this result clearly indicates that more county residents need to turn in their household information.

The results of the census will stand for the next 10 years when it comes to legislative representation, grant funding, attracting new businesses and more. We encourage everyone to respond, and commend the local census committee for working to ensure people know about the significance of the census.

A welcome project

Kudos to Fairmont residents Heidi Villeneuve-Schlomann and Kay Wrucke for their willingness to help spruce up local welcome to Fairmont signs. The pair are volunteering hours to the project, working in conjunction with Project 1590, the Fairmont Garden Club and the city’s parks department.

The duo began this week with the sign along Highway 15 on the north end of town, planting blue junipers. They plan to continue until they have improved the sites of all five signs that greet visitors to the city.

The right path to take?

Given the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we noted this week some data provided by the syndicated columnist Michael Barone, who wrote about two previous virus outbreaks in the United States that few people know about or remember. One occurred in 1957-58, killing 90,000 Americans. Another in 1968-1970, which claimed 100,000 lives.

When adjusted for population, those outbreaks were about as deadly as today’s COVID-19. Yet there were no statewide lockdowns, and no closings of businesses or schools. So has economic torture really been the right course to pursue?

Dems reject relief bill

Democrats in Washington, D.C., are so intent on having things all their way that they rejected a coronavirus relief package this week. The $650 billion plan offered by Senate Republicans focused on school aid, jobless benefits and help for small businesses. Democrats say the plan was not big enough, so they are taking their ball and going home.

The illogic is stunning. Why not approve the $650 billion and then go back to the bargaining table to try to get more? At least then you could say you did something. We wonder if voters are going to understand this obstinance.