Don't buy into the pitch by the 'insurance salesmen'

Don't buy into the pitchby the 'insurance salesmen'
EDITOR:
It must have been very difficult for you to print the article Sept. 1 from the insurance salesman (he can call himself whatever he wants to, including a claims adjuster or an agent, but the bottom line is he is a salesman. He sells on the fear that we need to be protected if we suffer from an injury in an accident, or in my case, the fear of getting sued by a patient because of a possible mistake).
It is clear to me why this individual is an insurance salesman; he lacks any degree of compassion, and he preys on the fears of those of us who are compassionate to one another. For all those who have been injured, it is nice to know that he "plays poker" with the litigators, but he also has his 30 percent to 40 percent commission built in so that he does not have to listen to al the "whiners" (including physicians).
The fact of the matter is that we do indeed have a malpractice crisis in this state. I would certainly like to blame it all on the insurance salesmen like the one in the aforementioned article, but I feel that the litigators and we physicians are responsible as well. You see, most physicians are concerned about primarily one thing: a patient's well-being.
Unfortunately, it is no longer good enough to practice good medicine and "treat patients like you would want to be treated," but you have to be lucky as well. I don't have all the answers, but I can tell you this, we have already lost some very good physicians, and we will continue to lose more because of this very real crisis.
Finally, I want to say that I do enjoy playing poker, but this is the kind that is played with a real deck of cards with my friends. I certainly do not gamble with my patient's health or well-being. If more insurance salesmen and litigation lawyers followed The Golden Rule like most physicians do, we probably would not be in the midst of this crisis.
By the way, I want to say to the poker-playing insurance salesman: The Golden Rule states that we should treat others as we would want to be treated. Would you want your physician playing poker and gambling with your health by saving money because a test or medication may cost too much. Think about it.
GREGORY S. ZINNI, M.D.
Canfield
Band show at Harding showed talent in the region
EDITOR:
I almost laughed when I read the letter from the Austintown Fitch fan who complained about the Poland fans leaving the stands while Warren Harding was still performing. How interesting it was to read how appalled he was at this behavior. I too intended to send a letter after attending the Warren Harding band night performances. I was also appalled ... at the Austintown Fitch band.
First off, the Vindicator reported that band performances started at 6:30 Thursday night. So my husband left work an hour early, rushed home to pick me up, and we raced over to Harding stadium to get there by 6:15, only to find out that the show didn't start until 7. No problem. It was a beautiful night, so we sat and chatted with those around us.
We did notice that as 7 p.m. got closer, only three of the six bands were present. Girard was there first, then Brookfield, then Champion. Liberty showed up very close to 7.
There was such enthusiasm when the Harding band hit the field. The Harding fans in the stands showed their pride when their band performed AND gave standing ovations to most of the other bands as well. Very classy if you ask me.
Harding finished their welcoming performance, followed by Brookfield and then Girard.
Then sometime after 7:30, who decides to grace us with their presence? You got it ... the Austintown Fitch band. Not only did they arrive late, they left early ... during Warren Harding's excellent performance. If you want to mention comments from other fans about someone's behavior, you should have heard the people around us.
I can honestly say I had a great time. It amazed me to think of how much time and energy went in to perfecting all those routines. They were all awesome.
My husband and I were trying to decide who was the best. One band's flag line was clearly the best, another the majorettes, still another the sound and the marching of another. Does Austintown have a good band? Of course they do. Were they the best? I guess it's a matter of personal taste. When I think about how good they were and their perfect execution, I wonder how they could be so inconsiderate while another band (the host band) was performing! Especially after arriving so late.
CONNIE HUGHES
Girard
This Poland band parentstayed until end and loved it
EDITOR:
I was disappointed to read the letter to the editor about rude Poland band fans in your Sunday paper. As a brand-new Poland band parent, I was thrilled to be at Fitch Band Night. My husband, daughter and I enjoyed every band at Austintown that night, because we stayed for the entire show, as did everyone from Poland who was sitting near us. We especially enjoyed the Harding and Fitch performances, which came after our beloved band played.
Please don't assume that everyone from Poland left, because it is simply not true. I'm sorry that some people felt it necessary to leave, but the vast majority of Poland fans were still there at the very end to enjoy the creative Harding band and the beautiful patriotism of the Fitch band.
MINDY MARTINKO
Poland
How to react when a bankshows employees the door
EDITOR:
Employees of First National Bank of Pennsylvania consistently remained focused, dedicated, loyal, and provided production above and beyond the impossible. Due to recent job cuts, numerous employees possessing a wealth of knowledge and experience have been shown the door. As a result, trust is broken, morale shattered, emotions intensified. We employees no longer pretend to believe nor hear the empty words, meaningless speeches or fabricated excuses. We have seen too many before us treated badly.
Those already gone should not let anger, revenge or bitterness be their driving force. They should think positive, focus ahead, seek options available, enjoy simple pleasures during this temporary period. There will be good days and bad days, restful nights and restless nights while dealing with mixed emotions, and they should reach out when necessary. Those about to be affected have the difficult task of continuing employment under strenuous circumstances and should maintain dignity, hold their heads high, exit graciously, and they will experience great pride in themselves. Those left behind are to be thanked for their support and compassion and should NOT, for any reason, feel guilty.
Finally, the immediate bosses (who were only the messengers) should be commended for allowing themselves to show compassion by means of an extended hand, unspoken word or unusual expression, teary eyes, even an unexpected brief visit at time of departure. Those who remain oblivious, SHAME.
GLORIA J. DOUGLAS
Brookfield