Cute pet photos elicit reader smiles
I would like to thank your readers for submitting the photos of their pets. These photos always make me smile.
What a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you.
Nancy Cooper, Cleveland, Tenn.
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Crime study column faulted for left bias
On last Thursday’s Chattanooga Times editorial/opinion page, there appeared a column titled “NRA Diverts Attention From Devastating Crime Study.” The commentary was written by a Francis Wilkinson, a Bloomberg News columnist.
Given that Michael Bloomberg is a dedicated anti-gun fanatic who has spent millions of his own dollars to generate strict gun laws on a state-by-state basis, the information contained in this column can only be biased, and twisted in favor of the anti-gun crowd, i.e., liberal left Democrat.
The most disconcerting part of this commentary is the attempt to make us believe that crime rates in right-to-carry states have risen an estimated 13 to 15 percent because of right-to-carry laws. This is absolute hogwash.
The fact is that crimes committed by holders of carry permits (or conceal carry permits) is so insignificant as to be immeasurable. An increase in crime is more likely the result of gangs, drugs and poor parenting.
Alan Hockert, Hixson
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Attitudes toward pain management evolving
Coverage of Secretary Tom Price’s recent visit here didn’t mention that almost two decades ago there was an impression that pain was under-treated in this country. Consequently, accrediting organizations like the Joint Commission and state medical licensing boards increased emphasis on pain management by hospitals and physicians.
Patient satisfaction scores, which included pain treatment, assumed a prominent role in rating health care organizations and doctors.
It is now reported that the number of pain prescriptions written nationally has almost quadrupled since 1999.
Solution of the opioid crisis is complex and involves dealing with supply and demand. However, we as a society need to understand that compassionate pain care does not mean that life will be completely free of pain.
Gail V. Anderson, M.D.
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Plenty of reasons to celebrate Fourth
I have a couple of modest suggestions for minorities who feel slighted and unable to celebrate this greatest of countries we live in on the Fourth of July:
1. Give thanks to the millions of people who go to work every day (sometimes two jobs!) and pay heavy taxes so that minorities can receive free (or lower than market) housing, food, medical care, legal assistance and cell phones.
2. Reflect for a moment how much better life is here than the countries of their forebearers, Africa, Middle East, India, inner America, or even Indian reservations.
Jeff Wilson, Ooltewah