St. Luke’s physicians steer health care network’s decisions
In a recent letter, James Largay questioned the role of physicians in shaping quality decisions at St. Luke’s. As a St. Luke’s physician, I assure Mr. Largay our quality decisions are steered by physician leadership committed to advancing the quality of our care. I am proud to say St. Luke’s stands in no one’s shadow.
We analyze patient data comparing results to national databases, enabling physicians to identify areas for enhancement, such as infection rates and patient readmissions. This process results in St. Luke’s being aligned with national frontrunners like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has honored St. Luke’s with its highest-quality accolade — a five-Star rating. For a decade, St. Luke’s has distinguished itself as a 100 Top Hospital by the data-driven organization Fortune/PINC. The Leapfrog Group consistently bestows upon us “A” grades for safety.
Kudos to St. Luke’s employees for making St. Luke’s a “shining star” in our community. We know that in caring for patients, we care for our own families, friends and neighbors.
Dr. Aldo Carmona
The writer is the senior vice president of clinical integration for St. Luke’s University Health Network.
GOP and Democrats should focus on important issues
As a longtime, staunch Republican, I am dismayed and disgusted with the Republican Party. It’s become the party of failure and of self-interested egomaniacs. Instead of doing something positive for the country, it focuses on abortion, gun rights and other useless policies. Women want to have an abortion, fine, don’t bring children in the world that no one wants. Tighten gun laws and gun ownerships so we don’t have senseless killings. Are we a civilized country or a country of cowboys? Eliminate the federal deficit and reduce the federal debt that’s ballooned because of both Republicans and Democrats. Focus on our enemies, Russia, China and in the Middle East. Don’t give Israel carte blanche. Have restrictive and enforceable immigration policies. The Democratic Party has done its share of damage to the country with its ultraliberal bent. It’s time for both parties to focus on the important values of all the hard-working Americans. Individual rights are wonderful, ultimately they lead to chaos. We are there.
Joseph Pugliese
Lower Macungie Township
Former coach fondly remembers McDonald’s all-star football classic
Congratulations to all the players, coaches, board members and volunteers who continue to carry on the tradition of the Lehigh Valley McDonald’s All-Star Football Classic. I had the pleasure of coaching in the game many times, remembering in particular the 1991 game when I coached my son T.J. and the CCI team to a 13-12 win over the EPC. My son and I talk often about that game and many of the others that we attended while he was growing up. It was a game we always enjoyed going to together.
Living in Arizona the last 27 years, I continue to follow the game and how it has evolved over the years. Great stuff and great memories for everyone who is involved. I hope the game continues to flourish for our next generation of players, coaches and fans to enjoy.
Bob Bitler
Chandler, AZ
Different responses for Kaepernick, Alito, when it comes to US flag
MAGA Republicans have tried to commandeer the American flag as their symbol ever since Trump started cozying up to and hugging it like it was a porn star or one of the girlfriends he was seeing while cheating on all three of his wives.
However, since 2020, the American flag has been routinely flown upside down by some Republicans since Trump lost a free and fair election. This is the same group that vocally “lynched” Colin Kaepernick for taking a knee to criticize the duality the flag has represented to “equal” white and black citizens over the course of our history and continues to this day. Kaepernick was banned and lost his job and livelihood.
It’s fascinating how MAGA Republicans can flip-flop on the handling of “their” precious flag and without the blowback and reality of losing their jobs. And, as we know, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito got into the act of flying the flag upside down at his house for weeks while blaming it on his wife and not insisting it come down. He still has his job. Kaepernick is still unemployed in the NFL.
Bob Aylward
South Whitehall Township
Two goals create confusion over a healthy economy
The health of the national economy always gets more attention in an election year. The economy is considered healthy when the gross domestic product continues to be positive and the employment picture is bright. The current unemployment rate is the lowest in six decades and GDP continues to be positive.
The Federal Reserve has successfully lowered the current inflation rate by increasing interest rates. The aim was to slow the economic growth, taking the risk of increasing unemployment slightly but without going into a recession. The consumer price index change in May was 0% compared with April, although the rate year over year is still above 3%. Near full employment, rising wages and the stock market near an all-time high allow consumers to continue to spend even when prices are high. Recently, some signs are emerging that the public might be getting selective about their spending.
Despite the economy being healthy and the inflation rate falling, the public perception is just the opposite. The Biden administration and the Fed seem to be working with opposing mandates. Biden keeps creating more jobs and keeps the economy growing while the Fed is trying to slow the economy. Maybe they should find a way to work in unison.
Mahesh Vyas
Hanover Township, Northampton County
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