Letters

Show your love to armed forces this Christmas

Love is ... Christmas is a time to show love to one another and if you are one of the faith, to your God. I have come to realize we are living in a morally corrupt time, the same as the Cornith church of 2000 years ago. Love has become a mixed-up term with little meaning. Today people are still confused about what love really is. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of our God Himself. Love involves unselfish service to others and to show it gives evidence that you truly care. Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; hope is the attitude and focus, love is the action. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how our God loves.

This unselfish service I speak of is the kind of love shown by our service men and women, who put on their uniforms, go off to foreign lands and fight to keep this nation free. These are the heroes of this generation that will not be forgotten as time moves on. They are those who unselfishly serve others on a 24/7, 365-days-a-year basis and receive very little for what they do. They are the unsung heroes and it is up to all of us to take the time to thank them and all of you can do just that. If you say, "I support the troops" then put your words into action. Show your true support for them by going to the Web site of anysoldier.com and select a few soldiers or even many, men and women you do not know personally, and send letters of appreciation, encouragement and support to them. Don't just say the words, put them into action. Learn what it really means to love a nation, and those that keep us free. Free to agree or disagree about this war, our president or the laws of the land. Freedom is not free it is the greatest gift these men and women give us. There are other organizations out there that one can choose to support our troops. Enrich your lives by saying Thank You to our troops.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

FAYE SEMMENS

Carson City

Was dismissed by doctor

This is in response to Kathy Rhea's letter regarding Carson City's medical system. I too was recently "dismissed" as a patient at a medical center. Why? Because I became upset after waiting a week for the doctor to authorize a refill for my asthma inhaler, which I was in dire need. I realize they have 24 hours to do so, but a week? Each time I called the clinic I was told they were busy, but the authorization was on the doctor's desk for signature and would be faxed to the pharmacy. After calling the pharmacy numerous times to discover they hadn't received the authorization, you can imagine my frustration. So, because of my "behavior" I received a letter from the doctor "dismissing" me from his practice and the medical center. My husband and I moved to Carson City a year ago. Because of my health issues I needed to find a good doctor. I called several doctors that were referred to me by the hospital and family members. I was told they either weren't accepting new patients or they didn't take Medicare for insurance. After becoming ill one day I had to seek out an Urgent Care Center and that's where I first acquired a doctor. However, his "behavior" was not to my liking. He didn't follow-up on my lab tests and imaging reports (I doubt he ever read them) and he always had his nose stuck in a laptop when I was trying to discuss my ailments with him. I had read that Carson City had the poorest medical system in the state; I have now discovered that to be true. It's apparent that a patient's needs are not a priority and I too will most likely be forced to seek medical treatment out of town.

CAROL VERDUGO

Carson City

A great gift idea for teens

If you are having trouble thinking about what to give a teenager this holiday season, think about giving a gift certificate for a driver education course. This will bring joy and safety to a new driver. Help a new driver gain the skills he or she needs to become a safe driver by giving them the knowledge they need to make good choices and prevent accidents. It is with great sadness that we regularly hear of tragic car accidents involving our beloved and talented young people. Giving them a gift that will save lives is a good choice.

JUDY LARQUIER

Carson City