The election, the hospital and jail time

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: October 23, 2008

Kushner makes some good points, but ...

To the editor:

Sam Kushner makes some good points in, “A problem we can’t ignore,” (Oct. 19, page A11), his column regarding Danville Regional Medical Center. But some of his assumptions are not entirely correct.

The hospitalist situation was not initiated by LifePoint. First of all, this is a national trend and is becoming standard operating procedure that a patient sees a certain internist as an outpatient, but when admitted to the hospital is seen by a different doctor (the hospitalist). This does not apply to surgery. The surgeon one sees in the office still goes to the hospital and takes care of one’s surgical needs. Second, the internists in this community initiated the process of getting a hospitalist program set up before LifePoint entered the picture. LifePoint merely continued the process of setting it up after they took over. Some patients are going out of town for their medical care, but usually their local medical doctor is still not the one taking care of them in that hospital.

The assumption as to the cause of the mortality rate of cardiac patients at Danville Regional is not completely accurate. Our incidence of diabetes, obesity, low level of education and compliance are much higher than the norm, yet all of these factors are not included in the calculations.

I, as a man who is not overweight, does not drink, smoke or “do drugs,” and has a post-graduate education will probably do quite well having our local cardiologist — and if needed, our cardiovascular surgeon — take care of me at Danville Regional. I know our CV surgeon has great judgment and is technically excellent. To go elsewhere, I may not have that inside information and assurance.

ROBERT H. HONEA M.D.

To the editor:

There have been numerous references to a ranking system for federal legislators developed and published by Knowlegis, most recently in a Perriello advertisement discussed in, “Goode’s effectiveness challenged in ad,” (Oct. 21, page A4). Nowhere, however, have I seen any detailed reporting regarding how these rankings are determined.

Three of the criteria used to establish the rankings — position, indirect influence and sizzle/fizzle factor — are largely subjective. Legislative activity is more objective, but no specific details were given to determine whether legislation is significant is stated. Earmarks appears to be based on total dollars appropriated, but no weight is given to the real value of the earmark.

I think it is critically important for voters to assess the basis of such ranking systems before they reach any conclusions as to the relative strengths or weaknesses of an incumbent candidate or of either of the presidential candidates. These rankings are based on opinions and they are not the result of objective data such as batting averages or percentages of pass completions. Be very careful in determining how much weight you place on such opinions. Political campaigns are fraught with biased opinions and outright misinformation. A citizen who takes seriously the responsibility of voting must stay constantly on guard against such misleading background noise. 

E. LINWOOD WRIGHT

To the editor:

I was thrilled by Colin Powell’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama for president. Powell served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the military and then as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.

Few in this country lack respect for this great American.

He served faithfully — and at times, brilliantly — for his country in two totally different spheres of power and influence. His name was widely touted as a potential presidential candidate. He is the one who took that option off of the table.

There is no one better suited to evaluate the relative merits of the Obama and McCain tickets.

I started working on political campaigns — registering people to vote here in Danville — when I was 16 years old. That was 40 years ago. Since then, I have been on the front lines of campaigns in Trenton, N.J. and Phoenix, Ariz.

Never have I seen people stand up to be counted as Americans in the way in which they have in response to Barack Obama’s call for change. People are volunteering and donating in record numbers — people of all colors.

We think we see something in Barack Obama that can lead America forward in these critical times.

Let us pray for our leaders, our country and the world.

CAROLYN LaVISCOUNT

To the editor:

I am writing in support of Lynwood “Lyn” Barbour for Danville treasurer.

I have known Lyn for 25 years. In that time, I have known him to be a man of honesty and integrity. He is fair and firm in all his dealings with people. He stands for what he believes is right.

Lyn has 32 years service with the city in the real estate assessment office. He has administered a budget larger than the current treasurer’s office budget, and supervised a staff of personnel larger than the treasurer’s office.

I believe he is best qualified to take charge of the office, and he also has had a working relationship with the other financial offices of the city. Our city needs a man of Lyn’s qualifications and integrity.

DANNY D. YATES

To the editor:

I have been listening to some of the reasons why some people are not going to vote for Sen. Barack Obama.

The most disturbing reason is because he is black. I know there will always be black and white people in America that will never change, but to judge a person because of the color of their skin is one thing that needs to be changed.

None of the qualifications for president requires a person to be of a certain color. The color of one’s skin has nothing to do with one’s ability to be a good leader and represent all the people. When we elect our new president, whether it is McCain or Obama, he will be president of the United States elected by the people and for the people. Notice I did not say “black people” or “white people,” but all of the people.

When he takes the oath of office, a change will come. Are you ready? Take a look at the issues and the qualifications and vote for the best person who will bring about the change we need in this country. Do not let skin color be the issue that stops that change.

BRENDA HARRINGTON

To the editor:

Many people seem to think that politicians should not have any contact with anyone who is not as pure as driven snow. They live in America, folks. Look at your own family. Politicians would never accomplish anything or live anywhere if they had to vet their neighbors and everyone they socialize or work with.

For fun, let’s look at John McCain’s vacation for his 70th birthday off the coast of Montenegro on the yacht of a convicted Italian felon next to the super yacht of Putin’s billionaire friend, who was introduced to McCain in Switzerland by Rick Davis, his campaign manager.

Montenegro is now a Russian colony, so to speak, on the Adriatic after a referendum for independence run by Davis’ firm. Nathan Rothschild was involved in that deal and had a political fundraiser for McCain in London.

Gov. Sarah Palin has attended the convention of the Alaskan Party for Independence several times and gave the keynote address a few years ago. This party wants to secede from the United States. Her husband had been a member. The party founder died in an explosion while buying explosives. He had stated in the past that he hated America and her institutions and did not want to be buried under its flag.

CLARK COBBLE

To the editor:
In response to, “Student is no stranger to the law,” (Oct. 17, page A1), it seems that writing a bad check will get a person more jail time than all the charges that Bruce Wayne Elders has had against him. If the judge had kept him in jail — where he belonged — this latest incident at DCC would not have happened. I once suggested that our Commonwealth’s Attorney, William H. Fuller III, should run for governor. Well, I guess we also need him as a judge here in Danville.

FAITH HYLER

To the editor:
I would like to encourage Danvillians to vote for a person who has much experience within the city government.

I have personally known Lyn Barbour for many years and he, in my opinion, has been a dedicated employee with the city and helpful to the citizens while he was the real estate assessor.

I consider it an honor to be able to recommend to you a person that has the high values that should be required for the office of treasurer.

Please, when you cast your vote Nov. 4, give serious thought and vote for Lynwood “Lyn” Barbour.

BRUCE HUTCHESON

To the editor:
There is a candidate for treasurer of Pittsylvania County who is uniquely qualified for the position. Kate Berger is experienced in the areas of finance, collections and office management.

She is knowledgeable about local, state and national laws. Her experience as a member of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors has given her an understanding of county government that will be very beneficial in the role of treasurer. Kate is a long-time resident of Pittsylvania County and has been very active in civic and government organizations. In addition to her service on the Board of Supervisors, she has served on numerous committees, where she contributed greatly to the good of the county. She is a friendly and pleasant individual who genuinely cares for other people. She is honest, hardworking and dedicated to the task at hand.

You can be sure that she will manage the treasurer’s office with honesty and efficiency while maintaining a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

We believe that she is the candidate who will carry out the duties of treasurer of Pittsylvania County with the character, experience and diligence that the office deserves.

WILLIE WATSON

Danville