Readers write, Oct. 19
ELECTIONS
Don’t trust politicians
coming from Chicago
Regarding “This time, reader is one of the 47 percent” (Readers write, Opinion, Oct. 16), I also worked full-time, and served during the Vietnam War. I am also college educated. I receive Social Security, and I also have a pension from previous employment. My wife is a small business person who struggles in building her company (yes, she built her company).
This letter writer referred to Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan; snake oil salesmen, and his lack of trust. How can these two gentlemen be compared to the likes of politicians who come out of the city of Chicago? And speaking of trust, after the last four years of President Obama’s leadership (or lack thereof), how can one even consider giving him four more years?
My wife and I look at each other in total amazement regarding the dumbing down of the American public by the media. The AJC has done a outstanding job of bipartisanship, and educating the citizens of Atlanta.
LARRY A. JONES, SANDY SPRINGS
Credit due to Obama
for economic recovery
While the AJC has ably covered the upcoming election, I feel you should better highlight some important context.
Four years ago, America faced its greatest economic crisis in generations. Employment was plummeting, and a second Great Depression appeared possible.
Since taking office, President Obama has worked tirelessly to stabilize the economy, and to rebuild America’s middle class. This hasn’t always been easy, but we are moving in the right direction. We now have steady job growth, and recovery is underway.
Now, Mitt Romney proposes a return to the Bush-era policies of cutting taxes for millionaires, and giving freer reign to Wall Street that led us into this mess. This didn’t work before, and it won’t work now.
ANDREW MILLS, ATLANTA
PUBLIC HEALTH
Physical therapists
help fill physician gap
The AJC’s recent coverage regarding the anticipated physician shortage points out the need for Georgia to improve patient access to physician assistants; nurse practitioners; physical therapists, and other “mid-level providers” throughout the continuum of care.
The American Physical Therapy Association and the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia have anticipated this critical shortage, and sought to fill it with doctors of physical therapy who are qualified to evaluate and treat neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, while screening patients for underlying medical issues. The average physician spends 15 minutes with patients during an initial visit. The average physical therapist will spend from 30 to 60 minutes on a patient’s initial visit.
Georgia’s doctor of physical therapy programs have been expanded to train physical therapists to provide the best evidenced-based treatment for movement disorders.
Allowing consumers unrestricted access to physical therapy saves money and valuable time — especially in light of the anticipated shortage of other health care providers.
DR. ROBERT M. POOLE, PRESIDENT, PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA
