YOUR VIEWS
A patient-centered approach
For nearly 18 months, I had the privilege of serving on panel discussions sponsored by Good Shepherd Hospice (GSH) through a grant from Harvard Public Policy, the John and Juana Harman Foundation, and the Hospice Foundation of America. The project involved use of Dr. Atul Gawande’s film “Being Mortal” with members of the allied health fields and others to develop awareness and better understanding of medicine’s role in end-oflife decisions. GSH reached out to more than 500 participants — from colleges of nursing, to home health and hospice agencies, local chapters of state and national associations, life communities, attorneys and churches. GSH was recognized for its outreach and educational efforts.
It’s not surprising that a joint venture by Amazon-Berkshire Hathaway-J.P. Morgan would choose Gawande as a partner in determining a better, more efficient and effective model for health care delivery as we approach the everincreasing needs of the baby boomers. Over the next 20-40 years this demographic will require health care services at an unprecedented level.
Gawande’s experience at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute along with the passing of his own father has resulted in an inspiring and award-winning book and film that every physician and every patient and caregiver should see and discuss. I hope it will inspire a more honest, realistic, understandable, accountable and patient- rather than profit-centered approach to health care services in America.
Jan New, Oklahoma City
A state question to support
With the November election approaching and debate heating up, opponents of State Question 793 are obscuring the numerous benefits of giving Oklahomans the freedom to obtain high-quality vision care in retail settings — just like Americans in 47 other states routinely do every day. For years, Oklahoma’s optometry lobby has worked to preserve outdated state laws that protect its monopoly on the vision care marketplace but block everyday Oklahomans from the benefits of additional free-market competition. This includes additional convenience and expanded access to vision care and lower prices and more choices on eyewear. Oklahomans have the power to change this by voting for SQ 793, which would modernize state laws to allow optometrists to practice in stores such as Target, Walmart and Costco.
The optometry lobby is attempting to scare Oklahoma voters with baseless claims about SQ 793 and the quality of care offered by optometrists in retail settings. But the truth is simple: Under SQ 793, optometrists in retail settings would be held to the same standards as those in private offices — just like in every other state where patients visit retail vision care practices. Oklahomans deserve the freedom to decide how and where they access their vision care. We can do that in November by saying “yes” to 793 and finally bringing our state’s optometry laws into the 21st century.
Adam Maxey, Oklahoma City Maxey is with the Oklahoma chapter of Americans For Prosperity (http:// americansforprosperity.org).
Unjustifiable behavior
I understand that Americans will (and should) hold different opinions. However, in most presidential terms, the differences were in a range that only a fringe left and right element might occasionally wander out of. I don’t understand why all Americans are not alarmed that President Trump is handing over our 242-year republic. Imagine a life for your children where one man dictates their lives. I’m an optimist so I want to believe our republic will survive Trump. But I fail to comprehend why Trump supporters stick with him, no matter how shamefully and ruthlessly he acts. How do Trump supporters justify his actions with their various religions or spirituality?
Elizabeth Kendzor, Edmond
Journalistic concerns
Regarding the letter by Ernest L. Bereman (Your Views, Aug. 4): The problem the public faces today is that the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics is no longer followed by many news outlets, both TV and print. This is very evident at the national level. Schools of journalism, for the most part, turn out a good product. The problem begins when the graduate is hired by a news organization with a political bias. They either go with the flow or lose their job. They come into the job with an open mind and over time begin to believe what they are forced to write or say. Opinion overcomes fact. This leads to the public’s low opinion of news organizations.
The Oklahoman does a good job of presenting both sides of a story and in keeping opinions in the editorial area. The TV stations also do a good job until they have to quote or read from network news; then it’s listen very carefully and be prepared to disregard.
Graydon L. Persing, Moore