Opinion

Letters to the Editor: Nov. 5, 2009


Published: November 4, 2009

Why not a bridge?
TO THE EDITOR: I fully understand how important it is that the bridge between Addison, Vt., and Crown Point be repaired and how many are under huge strain from this change where the bridge is not available. I get it. But why not consider how much we are forced to use the ferry to go between Plattsburgh to Burlington?

Each and every one of us who owns a car in the region budgets money to provide for the freedom to go between states. Freedom we should not be paying for. I am unemployed and would like to make applying for a job in Vermont an option, but have to consider the ferry cost and travel time with waiting for a boat to decide whether or not I am going to make it worth my time.

Let's take a moment to compare the size of Addison, Vt., to Burlington, Vt.: Plattsburgh to Crown Point. Why is there not bridge?

We, as a community, need to speak out and demand that money be spent to make this happen. The governor seems hell bent on laying off state employees one day and spending money on creating jobs to enhance energy savings the next; this is definitely one area that could be made more energy efficient. Time to stop making excuses and take Lake Champlain Transportation out of our pockets and make plans for a bridge.

Philip Cerne

Plattsburgh

Fibromyalgia assailed
TO THE EDITOR: This letter is to address the doctor in our area that told his patient to stop attending the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Support Group, as it would only cause her to become depressed and be of no help to her.

Obviously, you have no clue what goes on in our support group. I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend our next meeting on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at Pine Harbour. This will shed light as to what it takes to put one foot in front of the other each day for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

In the group, we learn how important it is to surround ourselves with positive people in our challenging times. It is crucial to our health. As a health-care professional you should be that positive person in your patient's life. We count on you to help support us, not to discourage us for helping ourselves.

The statistics are staggering: One in 73, or 3.7 million, people in the USA have fibromyalgia, 90 percent occur in women. Suicide is common because we lose hope and feel isolated or alone with the illness. Being a member of a support group allows us to share our feelings, opinions, and knowledge with others who also suffer without any judgment. Our mission is to educate, encourage and empower. I see nothing depressing about that.

Do you suggest to your patients all support groups are depressing and of no help or do you discriminate against people with chronic pain and fatigue? Please don't judge us. Join us and let us change your mind. I promise it will be an eye opener for you. All are welcome.

Kathy Madore

Plattsburgh