2007.09.30
Comment on Sunday's local commentaries
Faith, religion and human intellect
Richard A. Carr Sr.
Carr is an ordained Baptist minister and teaches at Virginia Western Community College and Hollins University.
I was saddened as I read Jerome Schleifer's commentary "Free of faith's false promise" (Aug. 29). It is obvious that Schleifer is a much troubled individual. The search for faith and God has troubled many of us for years. We have only to read the accounts of Mother Teresa to understand that even the most devout Christians struggle with these concepts. Read here.
Story took a callous view of 911 abuse
Katie Wright
Wright is a social worker who lives in Roanoke.
I am infuriated to read the Sept. 24 story "Frivolous 911 calls: Abusing the system." This article was written so callously that I am ashamed that it came from my hometown paper. Read here.
Sunday's letters are here.
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RE: "Story took a callous view of 911 abuse"
Parts of the story may not have been written as clearly as they could have been, but I'm inclined to agree with the original story.
I was under the impression that the man from the opening of the story had simply soiled himself and was looking for a bit more of a dignified exit. Similarly, the way I read the later portion about the woman with shortness of breath was that she never suffered the shortness of breath, other than bending the ears of the responding EMTs.
Yes the citizens should feel free to use the system for its intended purpose. However, people who call about illegally parked cars, for someone to talk to, or just for a free trip (when a cab ride would suffice) really spark my ire.
Comment by Ed S. — October 1, 2007 @ 8:16 am
I worked for EMS in the 70's and it was the same way. We had one woman who would call because her husband spent too much time in the bathroom. She told us he was having a stroke.
The difference is that an ambulance ride was MUCH cheaper back then. We could also provide treatment and leave without the patient. I'm not sure that is allowed now.
Comment by Henry — October 1, 2007 @ 9:04 am