Cap and trade would wreck economy
In the Sunday editorial "The climate clash," it was stated that: 1. The threat is real 2. Time is of the essence and 3. We can do something about it.
In response to this "dire" situation, I would say this: Global climate change is not a problem caused by man but a natural cycle we have absolutely no control over. This is evidenced by the fact in history that many times have been cooler or warmer than now, and the world survived every time without ruining industry or giving up the necessities of life.
We would be fools to buy into this "cap and trade" system that will put millions more Americans out of work and further damage our shrinking industrial base to supposedly fix a problem that does not exist. Instead, we should marvel at the amazing fact that our planet's temperature remains so constant and suitable for life, sustained by the God who made it.
Dave Cornwell, White Hall
We shouldn't give up on caring for elderly
I have issues with Jay Hancock's Saturday column ("Difficult questions on end-of-life care," May 2). His article is thought-provoking and does highlight many points that must be discussed regarding medical care in this country and its costs.
In writing about a patient who suffered a fractured hip, he said: "Naturally the doctors of a terminally ill cancer patient wanted to spend thousands of dollars to give her a new hip and charge it to the taxpayers." This statement is an insult to all physicians who care for elderly and ill patients.
As an orthopedic surgeon, my colleagues and I are routinely faced with elderly patients not in the best health (mentally, physically, etc.) who have sustained fractures.
As physicians we took the Hippocratic oath - we look out for our patients, try to make decisions to help them regarding their pain and quality of life. A fractured hip is painful and disabling.
By fixing the patient's hip fracture, the patient can be gotten up out of bed and begin walking again within a few days. If not, they would be in pain and develop problems such as bedsores and pneumonia. Surgery allows elderly patients to regain function, dignity and to decrease burdens on other family members. No one can accurately predict the end of life.
Doing nothing or doing less than the best we can for our patients - your parents, siblings, friends or loved ones - is harmful and inhumane.
