DEREK JETER IS A SAINT
And don't you forget it, Aaron: If you don't know what the award entails, then maybe you shouldn't open your mouth ["Derek Jeter Wins Derek Jeter of the Year Award," Aaron Schafer]. The award [Sportsman of the Year] is for what they do on and off the field. Jeter started his Turn 2 Foundation in 1996, before he was a "star" with the New York Yankees. He has given at least $10 million in grants to deserving children, and his foundation teaches kids a healthy lifestyle and to stay off drugs. All you have shown by writing this article is that you are not a Jeter fan and are ignorant about a man who has done nothing in his career but achieve, stay humble and give back. No, Derek did not win the World Series alone, but he sure the heck contributed. Only one person can win this award each year, and you can't say that Jeter does not deserve it unless you really are that ignorant.
Angela Hendrickson, via the Internet
DAILY RFT, NOVEMBER 30, 2009
WRONG TO DRAG DOCTORS DOWN, TOO
A question of fairness: This is a good example of how badly medical malpractice reform is needed ["Dept. of Ewww!: Lawsuit Claims Drug Caused Woman's Skin to Peel Off, Led to Death," Chad Garrison]. Based on the facts as presented, it is difficult to see how it is the physician's fault that the patient developed a rare (but known) complication from the medication. Physicians cannot possibly relate to patients all possible side effects, and there is no standard as to which side effects need to be disclosed by the physician.
Bactrim is a common drug, and until the FDA pulls it, physicians should be protected from the potential side effects of prescribing it. (No, I am not suggesting the drug needs to be pulled.)
I certainly feel bad for the patient and family suffering. However, is it also necessary to take down the physician as well? I can assure you that 99 percent of physicians already feel terrible when bad things happen to patients even if they had no personal fault in what occurred. A lawsuit can take two to three years to run its course. The physician will need to jump through many hoops, including depositions, meetings and court appearances. In the end, it is the provider's malpractice insurance that pays, so any award does not serve to punish the physician.
MB, via the Internet
FEATURE, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
OH, CANNONBALL
Great to be on the road again: What a bunch of magnificent bastards ["Cannonball Re-Run," Nicholas Phillips]! It was a great article and totally true to the spirit of the outlaw racers — sans rich douchebags with aerial support.
LouBaloo, Brooklyn, New York, via the Internet
This is your captain speaking: As captain of Project Interceptor, I agree that "street racing" as such is a dangerous activity best left for the track and that "street racing" generally endangers the population. However, I don't completely agree with the assessment of the 2904 as an unsafe and irresponsible endeavor. It is my opinion that "street racing," a short duration, high-intensity activity requiring very little advance planning or organization, is dangerous precisely because of the lack of preparation that goes into the activity.
Our Project Interceptor drivers were all very experienced wheelmen. Chris LaCon has years of autocross experience, which has honed his car-control skills to a fine edge. Dean Engledow is a former St. Louis police officer, motorcycle training instructor and has decades of track and touring experience on two wheels. As for me, I have experience in autocross and rallycross and will be racing in the 24 Hours of LeMons in 2010.I won't argue with you, we took risks, but there are risks involved in this sort of journey. However, we took every reasonable effort to reduce the risks involved in this activity. After all, I had a young wife to come home to; Dean has two beautiful children; Chris still has to graduate (that young punk); and we would've felt bad about killing [RFT writer] Nick [Phillips] — let alone anyone else along the way.
Alex Macfarlane, via the Internet
CLUBS EDITOR
Riverfront Times seeks a new Clubs Editor to compile St. Louis' comprehensive weekly music listings, maintain and grow our nightclub database and write blurbs for recommended music events. Must be interested in covering the local music scene, from rock and hip-hop to dance, lounge, country and more. Only the detail-oriented and computer savvy need apply. The position is part time, 25-30 hours per week and involves a significant writing component. Send cover letter, résumé and writing samples to Music Editor Annie Zaleski: [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
