We’re truly blessed to have Atlanta VA
There is no question the Atlanta VA and the entire system is going through tough times. Yet I know at least one medical doctor, my primary physician Dr. Paul Phelps, who has treated me with 100 percent respect since day one. Don’t believe me? Ask my wife. As a Vietnam combat veteran, in the local system over 30 years with enough medical and mental health problems giving me grief, I can tell you firsthand how terrible care was prior to the Carter Administration. Four-hour waits just for a triage session prior to an appointment were quite routine.
When Max Cleland came along as head of the VA, he began whipping things into shape, and they got better. Now, with more than 4,000 staff members at the Atlanta VA, I believe we are blessed to have skilled physicians and medics. Plus wonderful doctors, specialists and others out of Emory University. Unfortunately, the entire system is overwhelmed and it is serving veterans from at least five wars. As long as war is such a profitable industry, we will be cursed by the overcrowding we see now.
MICHAEL J. BURKE, ATLANTA
In Fulton, voters lack good choices
Robb Pitts is filing a lawsuit claiming “voter confusion” in an effort to force a do-over in that race (“New Fulton vote sought,” News, June 11). He claims there were a large number of voters who simply didn’t cast a vote for either candidate in the race for commission chair. He says it is his belief this indicates a clear instance of “voter confusion.”
While I certainly don’t claim to speak for all voters, I can say that a more likely reason for the lack of votes cast has more to do with the candidate choices offered to the voters. Personally, I didn’t cast a vote in that race because I didn’t feel either of them presented a good choice. I’d much rather not cast a vote than vote for a poor choice.
KARYN HUDSON, ATLANTA
What will cartoonist do without Obama?
The artistic talent of Michael Ramirez is outstanding, even though his constant attacks on President Barack Obama are frequently unjustified. I was wondering what he plans to do after Obama is out of office? Is it possible he can find someone else to attack as relentlessly?
JACOB DAVENPORT, COLLEGE PARK
