Access Now doctors do a slam-dunk job
The recent on-court successes of the Rams and Spiders have highlighted a sense of community in the Richmond area. Such team efforts serve as a reminder of the need to bridge the political, geographic, economic, racial, religious and town/gown divides that too often seem to thwart solutions to our community's needs. But in one area — delivering specialty medical care for the uninsured and financially disadvantaged — Richmond's physicians truly are champions.
In the heart of almost every medical student lies a desire to serve his or her fellow man. Sometimes the long and grueling hours required in training and practice, combined with time away from the civilizing influences of friends and family, appear to smother this desire. I know, however, that this calling has not disappeared in the almost 900 physician specialists and physician extenders who have volunteered to be a part of the Access Now physician network. Every day these volunteers donate time, expertise, personnel and money toward plugging this gap in our area's health-care safety net. These physicians — in partnership with the area's hospital systems, nurses, translators and other health-care providers and with the financial support of foundations, the hospital systems and individuals — have helped to improve the community's health one patient at a time.
I offer my sincere thanks to all who have answered this call to serve. These volunteers have again shown us the warmth and caring that can be found in our community. By reaching out to others, they have not only improved the health of the entire community but they have strengthened our sense of community. Like the Rams and the Spiders, theirs is a slam-dunk of caring.
Carolyn E. Thomas, MD.
Midlothian.
Rams' positive attitudes made lasting impression
I was struck by the photograph of Joey Rodriguez and Jamie Skeen on the front page of your newspaper on April 3. Struck because of the sadness and frustration captured in the picture and saddened because these guys had accomplished so much in such a short period of time and should have been elated by their accomplishments — as most of us were. I realize the emotions that they must have felt and it was enlightening that Skeen was quoted saying he would "tell his grandkids about this."
In this cynical era of grossly overpaid, often arrogant and mediocre professional athletes, it was incredibly refreshing to see a bunch of underdogs knock down the likes of USC, Georgetown, Purdue, Florida State and Kansas under the able leadership of their charismatic coach, Shaka Smart.
Hats off to the Rams, their outstanding coach and the administration that was smart enough to find Smart and support the team's efforts. Congratulations to the students, alumni and community who supported the team so admirably and with such dignity.
Richmond.
There is no need to celebrate losing
Regarding Michael Paul Williams' column "Postgame chaos sullied VCU's success": No one associated with VCU should have been on the streets displaying any kind of emotion other than tears. The 15 minutes of glory and fame belong to the team and the coach who seized the moment and took full advantage of it.
If one were to follow Williams' line of thinking, it would mean that were the police to show up in riot gear in Richmond's financial district, then all of the brokers and CEOs would mass in the streets and begin tossing Dom Perignon bottles, shrimp canapés and sexual gadgets at them.
Williams seems to know and use history only when it suits his needs. Otherwise, he would have known that there is a historical pattern of idiots taking to the streets and destroying private property after their team wins or loses. What does Williams think would have happened had not the police pre-empted the celebration of defeat?
I am old-school, but I have never seen a reason for celebrating a team's defeat.
Buddy Cousins.
House seeks only to limit climate bills
I am afraid Whitlee Dean ["Tell Congress clean air matters"] has only been listening to spin from certain quarters instead of reading what the House is actually doing with the climate-related bills. The House is only attempting to limit the reach of the Clean Air Act into an entirely new realm — control of greenhouse gasses. The rest of the act remains intact, which I do not think qualifies as repeal or gutting.
The Clean Air Act was intended to limit the impact of trace emissions on regional areas. It was never intended to control greenhouse gasses, even though the Supreme Court has allowed (but not required) the EPA to regulate them. Like digging a hole with an ax, it is a tool not appropriate for the job.
The EPA has had to issue an interpretation of the Clean Air Act as applied to greenhouse gasses because following the act as written would lead to an "absurd result" (EPA's words). The absurdity comes from trying to apply the act in an area where the Congress that passed it never intended it to go.
Richmond.
Phil's is a Richmond institution
As a former Richmonder, I was saddened to read about the possible closing or moving of Philip's Continental Lounge. It was at Phil's where I fell in love with my husband. At least twice a week, we would hang out with friends, enjoy a cheap meal, have a beer or two and enjoy life. There were many nights when we stayed too long while my future husband played Pac-Man with his best buddy. It was a happy, simpler time.
Last April, my husband's Pac-Man friend passed away. After the funeral, we again went to Phil's to reminisce about our friend, Chuck. Through the tears, we could still smile at all the fond memories. I go back to Richmond frequently, and almost every visit, I enjoy a meal and a cold beverage at this fine establishment.
Phil's would not be the same anywhere else. It's close to the UR campus and many other Richmond locales. It is affordable for college students and families alike. If it is forced to move, I may still visit, but it would never be the same. Phil's is a Richmond institution and it should stay on Grove Avenue.
South Boston.
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