To the Editor:
Re “Industry Ties Pose Possible Conflicts for Scientist Leading Vaccine Team” (news article, May 21):
Who would be more qualified to head a fast-track effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine than someone who had run a major pharmaceutical company? It makes no sense to suggest that a person with that experience should be disqualified because of a potential conflict of interest. The theoretical possibility that a man, who is probably by now a multimillionaire, would subvert such an important program because of a theoretical financial interest is far outweighed by the benefits that his experience brings to the process of developing an essential vaccine.
As one who has spent a career going in and out of government service, I have always questioned the wisdom of assuming that people who abandon lucrative careers in private industry because they perceive the importance of public service will somehow sell out their office in an effort to enhance some theoretical financial interest.
The nation desperately needs the services of someone like Dr. Moncef Slaoui.
John S. Martin
Fort Myers, Fla.
No-Shows at the Democratic Convention?
To the Editor:
Re “If Democrats Hold Convention, Will Anyone Come?” (news article, May 19):
As an elected Democratic national delegate, I share the interviewed delegates’ concerns about holding a big convention in Milwaukee during a pandemic. We must prioritize public health over political parties. Most delegates I know feel the same way: We would love to go, but not if it will make more people die.
We need a new president. But we can push progressive policies and nominate former Vice President Joe Biden just as well virtually as in person.
In contrast to President Trump, let’s be the ones who listen to the scientists.
Alan Kennedy
Denver
The writer is a national delegate for Bernie Sanders. The views expressed are his own.
To the Editor:
Re “McDonald’s Workers in Denmark Pity Us” (column, May 10):
In describing the roots of Denmark’s success with battling the coronavirus, Nicholas Kristof paints an incomplete picture.
Denmark’s strong social safety nets reflect an inbred commitment to “the group.” When I was a Fulbright professor in Denmark from 2001 to 2002, my children’s public-school teachers emphasized working with others over individual achievement. As my daughter wrote in an essay, being a loner is akin to “digging your own grave.”
Because of their devotion to community, Danes willingly pay high taxes to support health care, child care and a wide array of admirable public services. For decades Denmark has been a world leader in renewable energy.
Yet Denmark manifests a pronounced insider-outsider mentality. A Danish friend who worked with immigrants said they were ostracized and found it difficult to integrate. Xenophobic measures have caused foreigners, like the Dartmouth professor Brooke Harrington, to be charged with crimes for sharing their work outside the parameters of their work permits.
Danes are guided by the “Law of Jante,” which says no one should imagine themselves better than anyone else. So Danes live modestly. But they also expect conformity.
Vivian E. Thomson
Charlottesville, Va.