Vaccine opponents spread misinformation
As a practicing pediatrician for more than 30 years, I’ve been following media coverage of the measles outbreak and a resulting tsunami of information and misinformation about vaccines.
I was particularly appalled by Dr. Charles Adams’ statement that “vaccines just don’t work.” That statement is simply false. People are entitled to their own personal opinions but not their own personal facts. Ignorance is acceptable and remediable, but knowingly propagating falsehood is prevarication at best and, at worst, malfeasance.
People in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the Third World would welcome vaccines that would prevent the loss of half their children before they reach school age.
I strongly urge everyone to vaccinate their children in a timely fashion to protect not only their children but also those who, for bona fide medical reasons, cannot safely receive vaccines.
Dr. Timothy P. Davis
Christians not perfect; Jesus is
There is an old saying: “Better to attend church services with hypocrites than to be in hell with them.”
Although they strive hard to be perfect Christians and try not to seem self-righteous, true Christians admit they are imperfect. Instead of using cop-out excuses for not attending church services, imperfect Christians use a few main reasons for attending church services.
They not only want to worship the perfect one, Jesus, but they also seek his forgiveness and help. They love Jesus and want to go to heaven.
Jennifer Bradford
Writer doesn’t have crystal ball
Letter writer Lisa Scott (Feb. 5) must be a great prophet to know that children, saved from abortion, will all be bad 15 years from now.
Ann Collins, East Brainerd
Gardenhire called out on vote
It is hypocritical of state Sen. Todd Gardenhire and his cohorts to help kill the deal to expand Medicaid in Tennessee. Though he did not take advantage of the state’s subsidized health plan, he voted against extending insurance to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans.
Joseph F. Decosimo
Is Gardenhire too busy to care?
In light of a recent article about the breach of civility during an exchange in an Insure Tennessee committee meeting, I reviewed the video.
At one point, my senator, Jeff Yarbro said, “Before six members of this committee make a decision on behalf of 6 million Tennesseans, I think we really should take our charge seriously.” He later observed that “virtually every member” of the General Assembly receives taxpayer-subsidized health care.
Sen. Todd Gardenhire took offense at the remarks. He stated (falsely) that he does not have the General Assembly coverage.
He alleged Sen. Yarbro’s reiteration of the committee’s charge was an accusation that senators were not taking their deliberations seriously and defended himself saying, “I’m taking this seriously. I’m taking time off from my job to be here.”
Apparently, he prefers his regular job to representing the people of his district. He campaigned to be a senator, took an oath of office and accepted compensation for his service.
If he would rather be doing something else, he should resign and let someone who cares about the health and welfare of the people of Tennessee serve out his term.
Bill Howell, Nashville
Could buses send train off track?
The proposed light rail system for Chattanooga sounds great at first read. So many Southern cities, including ours, lack effective, efficient mass transit.
But why not test the theory by placing multiple park-and-ride locations around the area and use efficient shuttle buses to move people about. These have worked well elsewhere, it’s not reinventing anything and it could be done for a fraction of the cost of rail service.
As far as trains to Atlanta and Nashville? Again, sounds great. But the maglev did, as well, but I suppose now it will never happen.
Last I heard, the projected fare was near $100, vastly diminishing the attraction of a family jumping on board and heading to a Braves game.
Unless substantial government subsidies are in place, which can be justified, the costs to ride either local or not so local will, I believe, be cost prohibitive. Hope I can be proved wrong, as I am an advocate of mass transit.
Michael Lawrence
Be objective on chancellor pay
The “high-priority goals” enumerated in the Times Free Press (Feb. 9) for the UTC chancellor, who is being paid handsomely, were enlightening. However, they tend to generate a long list of “objectives” that maybe should be included in a “high-priority goals” list. For example:
* How many students complete degrees in four years?
* What percentage of four-year graduates obtain paying jobs in their field of study?
* What percentage of graduates enter graduate school?
* What is the grade point average of students who graduate?
* What will the grade point average trend be 2014-2017?
In my humble opinion, these should be primary objectives to accompany the “high priority goals.” The purpose of the university is to educate and prepare students to be productive members of society.
The focus needs to be on the quality of education being provided. An objective of increasing the number of degrees awarded is not a valid goal unless the degree results in a satisfied, well-educated, employed individual who will no longer be required to live with their parents!
Please take a second look at the requirements for obtaining a “bonus”!
Jerry Peyton
Food not affected by low gas prices
I believe the grocery industry used the high price of gasoline to skyrocket its prices. Now that the cost of gas has decreased, they don’t have an excuse.
I was asked by my grocer if I would like to contribute food or money for the hungry. I couldn’t help but think: If you really care about the hungry, why don’t you lower your unconscionable prices on soup and crackers … at least? I wish we had a way to make these greedy capitalists accountable for their behavior.
Robert Lee Brown
Medical debt still a critical issue
Last week Tennessee lawmakers denied a chance for Gov. Haslam’s health plan to go forward. They may not have thought about our own financial debt that may result from the high cost of medical care.
When we incur personal debt due to health care, there are liens against our personal property, credit charges, legal fees and possible denial of future medical care.
The reality is that health care is not a true free market. A patient in the grips of a serious health crisis has no real room to negotiate. We need help, and we need it quickly. What’s more, we are not in the habit of seeking health care quotes in advance.
Drug stores do not post their prices so the public can shop medications. Doctors do not post their prices so consumers can know what they will owe.
Those of us who think we have done something to resolve debt by working against our state’s participation in federal health care have simply shifted the debt to another place.
There will always be debts and people who cannot pay them.
To refuse to recognize this reality makes us look uncaring, greedy, selfish and immoral.
Joel Blevins, Tunnel Hill, Ga.