Letters to the editor - Friday (11-20-09)

Friday, November 20, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | Data supports use of mammograms

I am a radiologist in Salisbury and see directly the benefits of regular mammography as recommended by the American Cancer Society and American College of Radiology based on extensive data accumulated over many years.

The recent edict from your federal government that mammography should be delayed and performed at longer intervals is ludicrous and is the first step in showing the country what rationing of medical care will look like. Breast cancer is becoming a containable disease if detected and treated early enough. The government is more interested in controlling what medical care the citizenry will receive than of any outcome this care produces. Allowing government to take over our health care system will produce countless similar scenarios and will be an ongoing nightmare.

If this bothers you, I recommend contacting your congressman and senators and expressing your concerns. They will listen to you.

— Dr. Fred M. Dula

Salisbury

Talent in schools

I would like to congratulate all of our performers in area plays and musicals. Your paper advertised so many to choose from; what a great selection! Wee attended "100 Lunches" at Carson High School and were very impressed. Compliments to Mr. Reynolds and everyone involved because you delivered an exciting, hilarious comedy. Thanks, also, to the school drama departments for offering such enjoyable programs. It is so nice to observe the many talents of students in various areas.

Next, it is amazingly sad that each high school with these outstanding programs (for example, drama, band, theater arts, JROTC, NHS, athletics, Junior Civitans, FTA, FFA, SGA, PTA, Booster Clubs, Younglife, etc.) that might be split apart because of lines on a county map. This is disgraceful! Our elected school board wasted $40,000 to ask strangers to decide our childrens' future educational path. Would you want a complete stranger to decide where you live and the type of house you have because they are paid and you do not have a choice in the matter?

This is an unrealistic plan for school redistricting because it will tear apart and demolish what has taken years to develop. In this already every-changing, high unemployment, overtaxed and underpaid area, why would you add another burden to our llives? We are struggling now with daily concerns. Why should our children be forced to move to a new school and new programs when they will face more changes and, yes, more problems?

May God give you wisdom to vote "no" on Nov. 23

— Nancy Perkins

Faith