LETTERS 05/11/08

I read with great interest LaVerne Fieseler’s trouble with Medicare (5/7, Letters). As a pharmacist, I would question the physician’s price of Procrit: $1,280 per week. This drug can be purchased, by a wholesaler, for less than $600 per week. So why such a large markup for a life-sustaining drug?

While Medicare may not reimburse a truly fair amount, physicians have too long overcharged for medications they administer in their office.

Eric McKinnon

Shawnee

Something wonderful has been happening in Kansas City. I am speaking of the truly amazing ascendance of the Kansas City Symphony under the direction of Michael Stern.

KC, if you have not heard your symphony perform under Stern’s direction, you are simply missing out on hearing — and seeing — what is quickly becoming a world-class institution. The quality, dedication and depth of talent of the musicians in this group are breathtaking, as are their recent performances under Mr. Stern.

Do yourself a big favor. Get yourself a ticket to one of the symphony’s upcoming performances of Verdi’s magnificent Manzoni Requiem, May 16-18, and you will be astounded by what we have going on right here in old KC. You will be introduced to anther kind of world-class athleticism and awe-inspiring talent.

We are extremely blessed to have this group in our town, and we should support them to the fullest.

Jeff Gerner

Kansas City

It’s really great that the Noland Road bridge project was completed before the projected date (4/10, Local, “Span set to reopen — early!”). My concern is the amount of time it is taking to complete the bridge at Blue Parkway and Elmwood Ave. This is ridiculous, especially considering the same company has been contracted to do both bridges.

To leave the Plaza area and drive eastbound, just to have to get into a single-file line (through intersections with traffic signals that are not very well coordinated) during rush hour is cruel and unusual punishment.

Why, oh, why must we continue to suffer? How much longer will it take?

Michael Foster

Kansas City

As a student at St. Teresa’s Academy, I am familiar with school uniforms and enjoy wearing mine every day. Reading about the plan by the Hickman Mills school board to test uniforms in middle schools (4/21, Local. “Hickman Mills to try on uniforms”), I wished the board had extended this opportunity to the high school level as well.

The sweaters, polo shirts and skirts that my peers and I wear create a certain consciousness of our surroundings in the classroom and throughout the school. My uniform is specifically what I wear as a student, in school, in classes and in meetings. They are not the clothes I would wear if watching TV with friends or working out at the gym. Uniforms help to emphasize a school environment.

Besides the benefits of convenience and cost, uniforms are a good idea for students. I hope that more schools begin to incorporate them into all levels of education.

Kellyn Smith

Kansas City

I read your paper every day for a variety of reasons, and while I greatly value your news coverage, local columnists and syndicated opinions, I must say the “Pearls Before Swine” comic strip is becoming my favorite part of each day’s read.

I found The Star’s feature story on the strip’s cartoonist, Stephan Pastis, (4/14, FYI, “Life can be a croc”) very entertaining. Pastis’ humor is often the much-needed twist to an otherwise drab and dreary news day, and your quality product is enhanced by the presence of “Pearls.” I hope other readers agree.

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