Dear Editor, I found it very interesting to see such a diverse
group running for Supervisor Gage’s seat next year (Morgan Hill
Times story dated June 24) and that they all considered public
health a priority.
Good, diverse group of candidates running for District 1 seat
Dear Editor,
I found it very interesting to see such a diverse group running for Supervisor Gage’s seat next year (Morgan Hill Times story dated June 24) and that they all considered public health a priority.
This hit home because I am currently involved with trying to get proper medical help for my father. About 5 months ago, I was notified that my father, a disabled veteran, with traumatic brain injuries, had to move out of the VA In-Support Housing, which so importantly provides him with the medical attention he needs.
Peter Arellano was there to help even though he is not affiliated with the VA system. His understanding and help is deeply appreciated by my family. So needless to say, I was excited to see Dr. Arellano’s name among the candidates.
We as voters must demand that our next supervisor understands issues like our public health care, public safety and clean environment, so I don’t think we can find a better person to fill this role then Peter Arellano.
Shannon Farrell Pate, Morgan Hill
What is the city thinking?
Dear Editor,
I’m writing regarding two stories I read in the July 17 edition.
First, the city will spend $310,000 in Redevelopment Agency funds to renovate the Granada Theater to a level suitable for interim cinema use. Interim use means temporary, right? Why is the city willing to spend such a high amount of money on something that is temporary, especially in these hard economic times?
Your story also stated that there is a proposed plan to build a new cinema one block south of the Granada. I am asking again, why is the city willing to spend that much money on the Granada when they plan to build a new theater?
Second, regarding the anarchy at the Centennial Recreation Center’s new skate park, the city’s inability to enforce the safety regulations at the new park are no different than their inability to enforce the same regulations at the old park on Butterfield Boulevard, which has been closed and dismantled now that we have the new park.
My question is why if self regulation didn’t work at the old skateboard park does the city think it would work at the new park?
Why punish those who follow the rules along with those who don’t? I say keep handing out those citations to the violators and use the money collected to pay for policing the park.
Morgan Hill is not a “do as you please” city.
Carol Holladay, Morgan Hill
Health care reform needed when it comes to maternity care
Dear Editor,
Insurance reform is obviously needed. Equally in need is health care reform – especially when it comes to maternity care, which has been touted as the least evidence-based medical modality in our country.
When women are given drugs in labor (without informed consent) that are known to have killed and injured mothers and babies, and that are not approved by the FDA and not sanctioned by the manufacturer for use in labor – something is woefully wrong!
The drug I speak of is Misoprostol (name brand; Cytotec).
Cytotec’s only FDA-approved use is treating ulcers.In August 2000, Searle, Cytotec’s manufacturer, sent physicians a letter reminding them that Cytotec was not approved for use as a cervical ripening agent and that it was contraindicated for use in pregnancy (www.cytoteccase.com/FDA%20Safety%20Alert.htm).
The letter listed serious adverse effects associated with using Cytotec, including maternal or fetal death, uterine rupture and severe vaginal bleeding and shock.
Since that letter went out, the use of Misoprostol/Cytotec has actually risen. Women are not being informed of the dangers or the fact that it has not been approved for use in labor and delivery – and therefore are being used in a grand experiment without their knowledge or consent.
This is just one of the dangerous practices that women are exposed to when they go into the hospital to give birth. Women and babies deserve better care, and are getting better care in most other countries.
CBS News story on this issue can be viewed at www.wsmv.com/video/13210018/index.html.
Jeanne Batacan, Morgan Hill
