Consider VA hospital as center for outpatients
After my retirement in August of 2002, I began volunteering on Friday mornings, at the Fort Wayne VA Medical Center. As a veteran, I was also receiving medical care from the VA, and I just felt that I could give back to them by doing this. I helped there until 2009.
Many times during the latter part of my VA service, I wondered why the in-patient, trauma, and emergency care for the area’s veterans couldn’t be served by our area hospitals and then reconfigure the VA Medical Center into an outpatient and pharmacy complex since that has always been the major portion of the care provided. As I remember, the fourth floor at the VA only has a 26-bed inpatient capacity. I still believe that this option should be explored to ensure that all of our present and returning veterans receive the much-needed care that they have been promised.
The recent Journal Gazette articles about the suspension of in-patient care at the VA, and the forthcoming review by the Department of Veterans Affairs into that decision, would be the perfect time to do this.
RAY SCOTT Kendallville
Moss, Fries undermine integrity of their offices
I am appalled that two major public officials have gotten away with such a major violation in ethics.
County Councilman Paul Moss, having gotten off with not even a slap on the wrist for his transgression, should be ashamed of himself. An apology is not good enough.
How can the citizens of Allen County have any faith or trust in the integrity of their public officials with this type of justice?
Sheriff Ken Fries should be asked to resign immediately.
I was always taught that one’s integrity should be closely guarded. As a public servant, integrity should be the most important value that you have.
Even the perception of dishonest or unethical behavior cannot be tolerated. This type of action is why the American people are cynical and complacent with the political system and politicians.
If we cannot trust you in the simple things, how can we trust you with the important decisions.
ALAN CONRAD Fort Wayne
It only make sense for Indiana to legalize pot
How much more do we have to waste on this ill-conceived, bombastic, war against marijuana?
We’ve blown over a trillion dollars at the federal level alone in 50 years, not to mention the ruined lives.
It’s time for our leaders to tell us what they spend for cannabis enforcement at the state level. When the head of the Indiana State Police comes out for legalization, that’s newsworthy.
Eighteen states permit “medicinal” marijuana; two have outright legalized it.
You cannot successfully prohibit a recreational drug that a sizeable portion of the population uses and views to be relatively innocuous. We smoke millions of pounds of marijuana a year in this country.
GAYLEN E. TWIGG Fort Wayne
