As an ecologist, I have spent more than twenty years working in conservation and environmentally related fields in northwest Ohio. I was struck by the negativity of your recent Readers’ Forum writers in reference to the Metroparks of Toledo Area’s ongoing deer management efforts (“Deer kill concerns voiced,” Jan. 28).
We are in an era of unprecedented white-tailed deer numbers. We are faced with the task of managing a herd that has ballooned to 750,000 deer in the Buckeye State.
Negative interactions with people get media attention, but what does not often make news are the negative implications such high numbers have both on deer themselves and on the ecosystems struggling to support these awesome animals. Keep in mind that a 3,500-5,000% increase in deer mouths to feed has a direct impact on already scarce woodlots with ever-dwindling plant biodiversity — thanks to the collective herd’s seemingly insatiable appetite.
We entrust our parks and our Ohio Department of Natural Resources to champion the entire ecosystem, not just the conspicuous, large-eyed, four-legged favorites with brilliant white tails. And whether it is popular or not, selective hunting is the best alternative for the deer and their habitats.
ERIC KRAUS
Perrysburg
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Sanders’ math is not fuzzy
Calculations on the affordability of an improved and expanded Medicare as proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) are not “fuzzy” (“Mr. Sanders’ fuzzy math,” Jan. 22). They are based on health economic research.
The General Accountability Office, the Congressional Budget Office, several highly respected health econometric firms, and research published in peer-reviewed journals all agree: Using single-payer financing, and traditional Medicare, we could provide comprehensive benefits, minimal out-of-pocket payments, and allow patients total choice of doctor and hospital for substantially less than we spend now. Public spending (taxes) would be increased, but private spending such as insurance premiums and out-of-pocket payments would be eliminated.
Currently, we have a bewilderingly complex system of hundreds of insurance entities with an army of paper-pushers, billing clerks, and bureaucrats to process the premiums and bills. Under a single-payer, hospitals would not bill individual patients, but would receive an operating and capital budget from the Medicare trust fund with both local and national public oversight.
Hospitals would continue to be managed by local boards accountable for these budgets. Management of doctors’ offices would be simplified with only one entity to bill, which would use a negotiated fee schedule covering the care for all patients. There would be no bad debt or co-payments so fees could be lower and still provide the same income to caregivers. Alternatively, caregivers could work under institutional budgets for a salary as many do now. Experts agree savings from eliminating bureaucracy would adequately cover all the uninsured and improve benefits for all.
All of our wealthy allies have similar systems in place. Their health outcomes are better and they all spend much less than we spend now.
JOHNATHON ROSS
Brookside Road
Editor’s note: The writer is a past president of the Physicians for a National Health Program.
A just punishment for heroin dealers
I applaud The Blade Editorial Page’s advocacy in regards to the heroin epidemic that is plaguing our community. But I disagree with its criticism of the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office for the manslaughter conviction of a drug dealer who sold heroin that led to the death of a user (“Prosecuting an epidemic,” Jan. 27).
Emphasizing treatment options for those who are addicted while aggressively prosecuting dealers are not mutually exclusive ideas. At a minimum, people who sell heroin know they are dealing despair. And they also know that in some cases they will be dealing death.
Yes, people have to take responsibility for the choices they make to use drugs. But The Blade’s editorials and news stories have rightly pointed out that an addiction to heroin is tremendously difficult to overcome. Too many users have lost their lives before having a chance to recovery. Heroin dealers know they are committing a felony, and they know it’s a very real possibility that the user could die. Why shouldn’t they then be held accountable when a death traced to their criminal conduct actually occurs? This policy doesn’t mark an expansion of the war on drugs, but rather seeks a just punishment for those who profit from selling a product that routinely kills.
DALE EMCH
Pemberton Drive
Editors note: The writer is a former Blade reporter and son-in-law to Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates.
First Published January 31, 2016, 5:00 a.m.