As for the "folksy" defense lawyer who challenged Smerconish's expert witness, I have been to court in six malpractice trials, two in Philadelphia and four in Delaware County. In all instances the "expert" physicians lied. Buying an "expert" doc can be fairly cheap. From my experience, I believe that the definition of expert physician needs to be reevaluated and the qualifications to meet that standard upgraded.
Dr. Alphonse J. DiGiovanni, Newtown Square
U.S. must aid Iraqis needing visas
Trudy Rubin's story "Halfway safe at last, an Iraqi questions helping U.S." (Nov. 20) tells of her Iraqi friend/facilitator who, after helping Americans, is now a refugee seeking life-protecting political asylum for himself and his family. The visa program that the United States established to allow 25,000 similar cases into this country has issued less than 3,500 visas. This is unconscionable. This cannot be my government, turning a cold eye (and heart) on thousands of Iraqis. This is not the America known as the beacon of freedom, fairness, and reason.
Richard Holmes, Huntingdon Valley, rwh3315@yahoo.com
Evils of the Federal Reserve
The average American is being robbed every second as the Obama administration and the Federal Reserve continue to inflate the U.S. dollar and raise our debt to the point of no return. I have this sickening feeling you get at a carnival when you suddenly realize that you have been hooked by someone really slick!
What is the Federal Reserve to prop up foreign governments at the expense of our children's future ("Stocks soar on banks' action," Thursday)? Will anyone take the time to research the evils of the Federal Reserve and join people like Ron Paul to end its reign of economic terror? Wake up, America!
Joseph DuPont, Towanda
Too many commercials
I don't know about others, but I've turned off Super Bowls and other NFL games out of frustration over the number of and length of time devoted to commercials. I did it again Thursday night during the Eagles-Seattle game. When a 60-minute game has perhaps 6 minutes of actual action (60 plays of 6 seconds each), yet takes three or more hours to complete, it becomes a waste of time and TV programming that is mostly hawking wares to a captive audience. The NFL has wounded its golden goose. It won't be long before it kills it.
Bill Queale, Yardley
