LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Art museum link to ‘Monuments’

2/16/2014

One of the most important of the real “Monuments Men” was Otto Wittmann, a former director of the Toledo Museum of Art (“True story behind ‘The Monuments Men’ and Nazi art looting,” Feb. 4).

As a major in the U.S. Army during World War II, he helped return stolen art to French Jewish families. In doing so, he made many friends.

Years later, many of his contacts helped build the collection that resulted in Toledo’s world-class museum.

CYNTHIA GALBRAITH

Maumee

Editor’s note: The writer was a docent at the art museum in the late 1950s and the early 1960s.

 

A doctor speaks: CVS did right

I have nothing but praise for the recent decision by the CVS pharmacy chain to stop selling tobacco products (“CVS’ healthy example,” editorial, Feb. 9).

I have been a family-practice physician for 20 years. I have seen the damaging effects of smoking on the health of my patients and my own family members.

My father, who was a smoker, died of a heart attack at age 46. My husband, who smoked for 50 years, died of lung cancer after suffering recurring bouts of bronchitis and emphysema.

Many aunts, uncles, family members, and friends who were long-time smokers suffered the devastating effects of chronic obstructive lung disease before they succumbed to their illnesses.

It is a courageous move by CVS to put the health of the public above profits. I intend to make CVS my pharmacy of choice as a way to express my gratitude and appreciation for its decision. I hope and pray many others will follow the leadership of CVS.

Alcohol and tobacco abuse underlies major health problems in our nation and in Toledo. I hope other businesses will care more about the well-being of humanity than about making profits from people’s addictions and suffering.

DR. ANITA LEWIS-SEWELL

North 13th Street

 

CVS’ tobacco ban is self-righteous

How righteous is CVS? It still sells alcohol.

The government collects taxes on tobacco products. When people stop buying tobacco products, how will that lost revenue be replaced? And who will care for and pay for nonsmoking folks who certainly will live longer?

Smoking still is legal.

KENT SNYDER

Westbrook Drive