Sunday, March 10, 2002

By Staff
Hamilton letter reflects too little research
To the editor:
I would hate to think that I was represented by an attorney who had done so little research on a project as Joe Clay Hamilton obviously did on his article about the medical situation here in Meridian.
Mr. Hamilton, it is "personal injury attorneys" like you who have contributed to the rise in health care costs. You would do well to find out the facts before speaking (or writing).
W.C. Jones
Meridian
Hamilton responds to physicians' letters
To the editor:
I read with interest the responses of Dr. Tartt and Dr. Tucker to my letter to The Clarion Ledger. The point of my letter was that we shouldn't destroy the fabric of the American system of justice for one group, which seems to think it should receive special treatment under the law. I wrote The Clarion-Ledger because the debate was ongoing in their letters to the editor section. Apparently, some nerves were struck when I mentioned payment for medical treatment.
Dr. Tartt is simply dead wrong if he denies most physicians in Meridian will not see automobile accident victims in their offices, and they have to go to the emergency room for treatment. My letter was plain in that I referred to after-care, when they were initially seen in the emergency room and then advised to see a doctor for followup. And, Dr. Tucker, I am well aware that ambulances do not take people to the public library, and I think the general public is aware of the same thing. If you want to "edify" me, please elevate to a higher level.
After-care is where the problem lies. Dr. Tartt said no one is being denied necessary medical care because of inability to pay. It depends on your definition of necessary. There are people who are in pain and have some disability who cannot see a doctor because they have no ability to pay. If Dr. Tartt does not think that is true, he needs to come down from his ivory tower and look around. I understand that the emergency room provides necessary care, and I know that they are treated by staff doctors, as that is one of the responsibilities that go with having hospital privileges, as pointed out in Dr. Tucker's letter. The doctors are to be commended for this.
As to the "unjustified" legal actions, our rules provide for dismissal of actions not justified by the law. However, even Dr. Tartt points out that the effect of actions have caused them "to be more cautious on when, where, and how we treat our patients." That is one of the objectives of such lawsuits.
Further, Dr. Tartt says I created the environment. Our Constitution, our laws of the United States and the state of Mississippi, and our constitutionally created courts have created the environment, and no one should be exempt from meeting the responsibilities required by that environment.
I stand by what I said in the letter. As far as money is concerned, it is my opinion that medical service is like about everything else in America. It is a business, and it is a very lucrative business.
Joe Clay Hamilton
Meridian
Storyteller, artist says thanks to West End Elementary
To the editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank West End Elementary School, their principal, Mrs. Judy Radcliff, Mrs. Carolyn Johnson, Tutor Coordinator, along with the faculty and staff for writing and receiving an Arts Education Grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission to present me as a storyteller and artist demonstrator. The teachers and I worked very well together. They completed all projects assigned them. One of the highlights was the completion of our lap quilt. We are fortunate to have dedicated teachers who love and care for our children. I know Mrs. Radcliff is proud of her faculty and students. I sing the praises of the students of West End. They were well-mannered, attentive and well-behaved.
Thank you West End for using me as your artist. I like your style,
Ruby Yarbrough
Storyteller Artist Roster
Artist Demonstrator
Mississippi Arts Commission
As unto the Lord'
To the editor:
On Thursday, Feb. 28, 2001, Tom Sansing was observed bringing one of his customers to a local physician in Meridian. He was taking care of her as though she were his own mother.
It is an honorable employee that would take time out of his busy day to care enough to do this deed. It is further a good company that would allow one of their employees time to care about someone else. Tom works for Orkin Pest Control Service.
Thanks, Tom, for loving and caring.
Barbara Odom
Collinsville