Health care choices come down to money
Fascinating to read the Wednesday Free Press editorial decrying the ability of the government of England to make any decision about end-of-life care or termination as a result of its National Health Service.
The author pointed out the likely prospect of this happening in the United States, if a single-payer system was adopted, along with other unpleasant side effects, such as not having one’s choice of provider, etc.
What the author failed to mention is that England has a two-tiered health care system, where those who can financially afford it purchase insurance to allow them more independence from the health care provided and dictated by their government.
This country has something very similar, even if this is not publicly acknowledged. In reality, there are more than two tiers. It all comes down to economics, such as who is paying for it.
Those who have the financial resources to privately pay for and secure a more personally guided and determined end of their life, or that of members of their family, are much more likely to accomplish it without government interference, invasion, etc.
Just like in England.
Becky Young
Signal Mountain
Livesay’s tenure should come to end
The reason the petition signers are asking Dr. Stephen Livesay to step down as president of Bryan College is solely because he lacks the support and confidence of the alumni, faculty, donors and community that is necessary to effectively lead the college.
Livesay’s recent response claiming the alumni petition asking him to resign is due to the creation/evolution debate is completely false and a distraction from the true reason for the petition, which has close to 2,000 signers.
He has been president for going on 15 years now. His predecessor, Bill Brown, served for nine years as president. The average length of time a university president serves is eight and a half years, according to the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and seven years according the American Council on Education. I think it would be healthy for any organization to bring in new leadership and vision at this juncture.
Livesay has served and worked hard on behalf of Bryan College and for that he should be commended. Now the best thing he can do for the school is to step aside.
Nathan Humphrey
Bryan College Class of 2003
Bryan staffer defends college
Bryan College is dear to my family. My husband and I work there, and as we drive onto campus each day, we see the sign with the college motto, “Christ Above All.” The work we are doing here is indeed Christ-centered. Both of us agree we love working there and respect the administrators, faculty and staff who serve with us. We truly feel we are part of the Bryan family in this environment.
Despite what you may have read recently, please know the college is thriving. The scores on national and regional tests for our graduates in biology and psychology show the college’s academic standards are rigorous. I teach here, and I see how students are being challenged academically while being encouraged to grow in their faith. I also appreciate how the college has grown in its online program offerings so people who cannot come to our beautiful campus can benefit from the outstanding education Bryan College offers.
Please pray for Bryan’s students and those who serve there. I invite you to visit Bryan College to see our campus for yourself. May God continue to bless this college!
Kristi Strode
Director of Academic Success Center / ADA Coordinator
Bryan College