First responders need stroke training. The Puyallup DUI story is a perfect example | Opinion
First responders need stroke training
Re: Lawsuit: Puyallup police arrested stroke victim for DUI
There is a dire need for updated stroke training for first responders in Pierce Count. A few years ago, at the healthy age of 37, I suffered an ischemic stroke. The ER doctor on call at a local Pierce County hospital would not treat me; he claimed I was being combative.
Thankfully, a family member rushed me to Tacoma General where I was immediately diagnosed as having a stroke. I was able to receive clot-busting medication in the nick of time, which saved me from permanent physical deficits.
A few extra hours of training for the Puyallup police and fire could have resulted in a very different life from what Jane Carhuff now faces. Unbelievable that this is still happening in Pierce County.
Brienne McGreevy, Edgewood
Co-op housing is missing middle housing
I attended a town hall meeting Tacoma City Council member Sarah Rumbaugh, who is my district’s representative. Rumbaugh began by sharing a vast array of visits she’s made in Tacoma. She went out and she learned. We’re off to a good start.
I had the chance to address one of my concerns about the Home in Tacoma plan: How does co-op housing fit into it? She surprised herself by saying she didn’t know and would get back to me. A couple of days later a member of her staff phoned saying that co-op housing didn’t seem to be part of the “middle housing” conversation …yet.
It is a well-known fact that home ownership is a gateway to acquired family wealth. We need to do all we can to support that.
Marty Webb, Tacoma
Classified documents
The discovery of classified documents at the Biden home is just the gift Donald Trump needed. The right is already portraying President Biden as a hypocrite and Trump as the victim. Never mind that the cases are different.
Biden reported the documents and cooperated. Trump lied and obstructed. Sadly, this mess has probably tied the Department of Justice’s hands. Charging Trump with either obstruction or insurrection is a political hand grenade. It will be portrayed as another witchhunt.
It would open the door for Republicans to jump-start their main agenda: destroying Biden’s reputation. Jim Jordan and his cronies are salivating at their good luck. They remember with pleasure their destruction of Hillary Clinton. Look for more of the same. They will leave no stone unturned.
When there is no evidence lies and misinformation will do. Truth and right lose all meaning.The right-wing media led by FOX is already sounding the trumpet. I would note, it was the so-called liberal left-wing media that broke this story and has not buried it. No soft pedaling, just journalism.
Guess it proves who you can trust for unbiased news coverage. Investigative journalism is alive and kicking.
Kathy Lorimer, Sumner
College isn’t for everyone
Finally, a program for Washington students to plan for a future without racking up thousands of dollars in student debt.
State Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, sponsored a bill to set up a state-run apprenticeship program. This will give students who feel pressured to attend a college but do not have the desire to be studious a chance to still use their mental and physical attributes toward a trade, job and carrer — both rewarding financially for their future and beneficial to employers and unions.
Parents, think about what is best for your child’s future. An apprenticeship program in which they receive pay while using their brain to be educated in a trade or thousands in student debt or the loss of your personal savings to find out they are enjoying the parties?
Thank you Rep. Maycumber for this sensible bill. The future of our workforce depends on it. We need more representatives at the college fairs so the students can have exposure to what is available to them.
Jeffrey Lovely, Buckeye, Arizona (a subscriber formerly of Tacoma)
This story was originally published January 30, 2023 at 5:00 AM.