Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Images of Columbine terror for sale
BY DAVE CULLEN
(04/27/00)
I don't see what right the parents have to be upset about these tapes being made public. Sure, the thought of reliving these very tragic moments can't be very pleasant, but is this any different from the footage of violence we've seen from all around the world over the past century since the motion picture was invented?
Imagine if footage from the Vietnam War or the Holocaust was banned from public consumption out of "sympathy" for the victims -- would we feel at all as we do about these events? The truth is too important to be kept hidden, for whatever reason. If the truth can be owned and controlled, then whatever the intentions of the owners may be, we are all subject to their will. Is that really what we want?
-- C.M. Sanyk
Dying on Ritalin
BY LAWRENCE H. DILLER, M.D.
(04/27/00)
While Diller is typically a voice of reason on issues related to Ritalin and ADHD, I must respectfully disagree with him when he says that the medical examiner was able to find anything "strongly linking long-term use of Ritalin to the death of a 14-year-old boy," Matthew Smith.
Several studies, including research conducted by the American Heart Association, have concluded that such a consequence of Ritalin would be extremely unusual. Further, according to the boy's father, Matthew had complained of chest pain and a racing heart on previous occasions. If this is the case, then why was the medication continued?
The death of any child is a tragedy. The death of Matthew Smith will undoubtedly become even more tragic as it is exploited by those on both sides of the Ritalin debate to prove their point.
The excessive use of Ritalin and other medications needs to be stopped. However, it is not appropriate to vilify the medication and cause unwarranted concern for millions of parents and/or their children.
"First, do no harm" is the primary directive. Given the results of untreated ADHD (failure in school, substance abuse, and suicide, to name a few), one has to wonder how Hippocrates would feel about denying medication to those who need it.
-- Bob Seay
Conger line
BY AMY REITER
(04/27/00)
I wish Darva Conger would not do the Playboy spread -- she seems like such a moral person. Please, Darva, don't do it! Just think: The old guy will see you naked after all!
-- Elaine Cole
I am so tired of hearing about poor Darva and wanting her dignity back. Is this the way to get it? Posing nude for Playboy?! Her best bet would be to crawl under a rock for a decade.
-- Linda Erdman
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