EDITORIAL: Drinking, Pregnancy: Don’t Be Alarmist

By The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Mar. 19–I take issue with “Drinking, pregnancy: Devastating mix” (March 16 Forum).Four countries among those with the highest per capita intake of alcoholic beverages (Italy, France, Spain and Germany) have the lowest incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Pregnant women in these countries typically enjoy beer and wine with their meals and in moderation.

In 35 years of ob-gyn practice in Charlotte I never saw a case of FAS in a woman who was well nourished.

Neo-prohibitionist babble and alarmist pronouncements do a disservice to women at a time when they need valid advice and support.

William J. Wortman Jr., M.D.

Statesville

Who is Cal Thomas to dismiss activist?

In response to ” ‘Peace activist’ had no chance of success” (March 15 Viewpoint):

Cal Thomas criticizes the theology of a man who believed his faith called him to provide aid to all, even our enemies. This man was even willing to sacrifice his life, ultimately being killed by those he was trying to serve.

Using Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, as the model, I’d call Tom Fox’s life a success.

Susan B. Harden

Charlotte

Maulden could’ve been inspiration for poet

In response to “A spirited servant” (March 14 editorial):When I was president of the Hornet’s Nest Girl Scout Council about 1959, I asked my friend Julia Maulden to be the keynoter at our annual meeting.

She based her message on these lines by Edna St. Vincent Millay: “The world stands out on either side\ No wider than the heart is wide;\ Above the world is stretched the sky\ No higher than the soul is high.” What a description of her life as she lived it!

By chance my name is the same as hers except for one letter. How I would love to claim kin!

Ann Mauldin Elliot

Charlotte

One woman who cared made things happen

The next time you’re tempted to think one person can’t make a difference, think of Julia Maulden.

Larry Thomas Black

Roanoke, Va.

Single moms not cause of CMS’s problems

In response to “CMS problems come from home, board” (March 16 Forum):If David Rodgers considers “divorce” and “working moms” among CMS’s problems, then he ought to include married couples climbing the social status ladder as well. Married couples are among those who sponsor drinking parties for their children and their friends.

Single, divorced moms do their best to support their families while deadbeat dads provide little to no emotional or financial support.

I’m divorced, and both my children are in the top 1 percent of their class. How do you explain that?

Michelle Reinhart

Charlotte

CMS board only reflects rift in community

It’s not our school board that’s “dysfunctional” but our community.

Vilma Leake, George Dunlap and Larry Gauvreau have been elected and re-elected. Albeit from contradictory viewpoints, each apparently speaks for sizable numbers of voters.

Until we fully recognize this and come together to work toward common goals, we won’t resolve the acrimony between the well-to-do and the poor, between suburbia and the inner city and between white and black.

John Minter

Charlotte

DWI laws don’t work by themselves

In response to “Drunk driving’s toll” (March 15 editorial):What’s the point of DWI laws when so many of those causing injuries and deaths have had previous charges reduced or dismissed?

Maybe instead of changing road signs or charging bartenders for letting patrons get too intoxicated we should be putting responsibility on the judges and lawyers who let these people off.

Bob Giddings

Gastonia

‘Evasive as Bush’? That doesn’t describe McCain

In response to “John McCain: not a moderate, not a maverick” (March 14 Viewpoint):

Paul Krugman may be correct that Sen. McCain portrays himself as more moderate than his voting record indicates — that would hardly be shocking — but for Krugman to call McCain “as slippery and evasive as Bush” is quite a stretch.

John McCain is a war hero, has 24 years experience in elected office and doesn’t approve of underhanded campaigning or skirting the law. Most important, McCain has a long history of considering opposing viewpoints and working with Democratic leaders to achieve compromise solutions.

That sounds nothing like President Bush.

Phil Evans

Huntersville

Compare bird flu column with CDC’s facts

In response to Wendy Orent’s “Blame big chicken farms for bird flu threat” (March 15 Viewpoint):Balderdash.

To learn the facts about avian influenza go to cdc.gov, the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

John Johns

Charlotte

Bird flu: Cooperation is key to prevention

The writer is state air surgeon, N.C. Air National Guard.

“U.S. working to stay ahead of bird flu” (March 5) accurately conveys the intent of our local, state and federal agencies. We are all working toward the best outcome to protect our citizens. Thank you for being an important conduit in this endeavor.

Col. Jill Hendra

Charlotte

It’s not just lawyers caught in cost pinch

The writer is president, Carolina Practice Management. In response to “Overhead diminishes lawyers’ take-home” (March 15 Forum):

As a medical practice consultant, I say to attorney Bob Bollinger about his complaint of the state’s low pay for indigent legal services: Welcome to the world of keeping a private medical practice afloat with low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements!

Eric P. Teeter

Charlotte

‘Time of cat dancing’ captures relationship

“The time of cat dancing” (March 14 Viewpoint) was beautiful. The love of a cat makes the dance even more worthwhile.

Steve Stoeckel, please go to the closest shelter and adopt a new friend. Here’s hoping your second dance will be as memorable as the first.

Deborah Salzer

Wingate

—–

Copyright (c) 2006, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.