‘A show of patriotism’
Raising gas prices are a product of supply and demand, accepted. But the current situation is due to an act of war by Putin.
I challenge any oil company to show a reduction in inflated executive salaries, or profits and dividends, to offset the costs to us consumers, as a show of patriotism.
Not going to happen, because they would have to share their numbers, which would be embarrassing, even before the war.
Jeffery Lux
Volcano
Beyond expectations
Hilo Medical Center has received much publicity since the pandemic began, but its service to our community does not begin or end with COVID-19.
I was hospitalized there, Aug. 17-19, for belabored breathing, pneumonia and complications. After eight or so hours of emergency treatment and testing, I was gurneyed to a room in the Surgical/Pediatric Unit.
I would not have been in that wing under normal circumstances, but these are not normal times for the medical center, its staff or its patients.
Since I arrived at the S/P unit later than expected and well past the dinner hour, I received my first courtesy from a concerned nurse, who hustled for me an off-the-menu, ham-and-cheese sandwich. This act was more important than it appears; I had not eaten anything for two and a half days.
A complication of my treatment was having medicine administered for my primary complaint that spiked my diabetic blood sugar levels to unfamiliar heights. The staff labored all night to bring those levels down. This up-and-down pattern continued throughout my stay and was nearly extended another night.
I am not qualified to evaluate physicians who directed my care. The three shifts of men and women charged with turning doctor notes into treatment, however, served me well and beyond my expectations.
Comprising a diverse lot, some understandably had differences with their co-workers. Despite this, Team B members aided me 100% and provided everything I needed for my comfort and well-being. I did not know any of them, nor did they know me. Still, I left the ward feeling every single team member had given me something of themselves.
Please assist me in recognizing their service and the excellent effort of other medical center teams — those challenged during this critical time by illness and injury, makeshift organization, severe shortages, personal and family risk, and long, stressful hours.
Steve Todd
Hilo
