Medic Alert
I was reading your story involving EMS and the City of Philadelphia and its system you called "distressed" [News, "Survival Rate," Mike Newall, Nov. 10, 2005]. I am with Detroit EMS and am positive we have the same situation. We are run by a bunch of fat-cat, uncaring, forgot-why-they-got-into-EMS-in-the-first-place, power-tripping slugs placed in a top-heavy administration because of who they are, and not their qualification to operate in this position.

Name Withheld
Via E-mail

Once again, you guys show that the larger news organizations are blowing off this story.

Name Withheld
Former Philadelphia medic

Your article really upset me, but it really connected with what the Daniel E. Rumph Foundation is trying to do in the city: raise funds to provide automated external defibrillators (AED) to all of our recreation centers, PAL centers and Boys and Girls clubs. We understand all too well the time response of our EMS.

We have been trying to meet with city officials for more than a month. We've sent letters, faxes and visited offices with no success. (City Councilman Frank Rizzo's office was one that scheduled a meeting with us.)

It's still not clear to us why the city won't put AEDs into these recreation centers, but it's very clear why every other organization that came before us bailed out: The ducking treatment is extremely frustrating. At this time, my family chooses not to sue this city, but to try and make it safer for the kids in our community. But dealing with our public officials makes you think twice about our decision.

Marcus Owens
President, Daniel E. Rumph Foundation

Hello Wound, I'm Salt
The Eagles lost [to Dallas on Monday night] and they deserved to lose [Naked City, "How They'll Lose," Brian Hickey, Nov. 10, 2005]. They have allowed childish feelings and pride to get in the way of business. If Terrell Owens had been in that game, the Cowboys would have lost, but nooooooo—the Eagles decided that it is more important to be babies than to win games. My objection to the T.O. suspension comes from the belief that everyone has the right to speak his mind. Everyone who has worked for more than two months has complained about a co-worker or management at some point or another. Apparently, the Eagles can't take it.

T.O. wouldn't have dropped that all-important pass in the end of the game. But then, he talks too much. Aren't you proud, Philadelphia? The Eagles aren't soaring now, are they?

Carol Elliott
Corsica, Pa.

Marion Carter
Philadelphia

Editor's note: Perhaps Carol Elliott has some thoughts on your final question, Marion.