'Easy' not spoken here Being a semi-old geezer with a chronic affliction, I just got vaccinated against the swine flu, which, with a name like mine, is definitely not kosher. Being a good-natured person, I engaged in conversation with the Boss of Bosses and found out something which is so typical of anything the government runs. Imagine this: If you were running a business and had to distribute your product widely, you would probably contact the manufacturer of the product and have him, for a small fee per product, drop ship the thing directly to the client. You would hope the government does the same thing, wouldn't you? Don't hold your breath. Here is what really happens. The manufacturer ships the vaccines to a regional distribution centre. This centre ships the vaccines to the local CLSC. Then, to end the cycle, the local CLSC ships the vaccines to the vaccination centre. Do you think anyone in the government thought about saving time and money in this operation? Absolutely not. That is just too easy, and we all know that, in the case of the government, easy is not spoken there. Why make one truck delivery when three are so much more fun? Perhaps I should have stayed in bed this morning... Sol Studenberg Pain relief needed I can only hope that whenever the new Hudson Medicentre is built it comes fully equipped with some new attitudes for the old receptionists. In close to 20 years of living in the area, I can't say I have once been treated with anything other than curt disdain, both in person and on the telephone, by any of the current receptionists. Word up, ladies, you are in the "helping people business". How about some compassion, co-operation or understanding instead of the interrogations, belligerence and argumentative tone? Hell, even eye contact or a smile would be nice. If this is beyond you, then perhaps you would be better suited in a line of work more in keeping with your people skills, like a detention centre greeter or a language cop. Until then, I'm just trying to get to see a doctor, for crying out loud, not trying to steal your purse. Mark Peters Another firehall perspective Former Hudsonsite Jim Pyke sent us this information about the new firehall in Denver, North Carolina, about 25 miles north of Charlotte. The East Lincoln Fire Department officially dedicated its new headquarters building on South Pilot Knob Road last Saturday and cut the ribbon for the $3.6 million facility. The ELFD was the county's first volunteer fire department and now has 13 full-time firefighters and dozens of volunteers. The new building has plenty of room for its equipment. In addition to training and sleeping facilities, the new station has a day-room with a kitchen, fitness area and meeting room that will be made available to the public. East Lincoln answers more than 1,400 calls a year, and handles everything from minor medical emergencies and major traffic accidents to full-scale fires. This is what our local fire station cost, and I would estimate that it is about what Hudson would need. There are at least three other stations within six miles, some smaller and some larger. Jim Pyke East Lincoln County's new firehall cost $3.6 million. Dangerous intersection The entrance to the Petrocan/Subway/Woot area on Hwy 342/Blvd Harwood at Chemin Daoust poses a real danger for those eastbound trying to cross the two lanes of westbound traffic at rush hour, between 4 and 7 pm. While those turning south onto Daoust are waiting to turn left, you can't see the oncoming westbound traffic in the straight through lane. They're invariably fresh off Hwy 40W and approaching at high speed in order to catch the green light. Several of us have nearly been hit in this spot. It is a busy area ?­ a bus stop and carpool drop for students and others. Until we get some sort of traffic control here, I suggest that those eastbound who want to get into the Petrocan area turn left (north) at the light at Daoust and go in the rear entrance. And if you're coming off the 40, continuing straight westbound, please, please slow down as you approach this tricky area. Thank you. Helen Henshaw Tainted vaccine still a concern I read your opinion piece about people's decision to get the H1N1 vaccine. I thought you might be interested to know that early polio vaccines given to tens of millions were tainted with the monkey virus SV40. There has been a lot of research over the past 50+ years that indicates a link between this virus and some forms of cancer, most notably mesothelioma (see www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/15/MN193825.DTL). According to one article, "Some of the reports suggested that SV40 may act as a cocarcinogen with asbestos to cause mesothelioma formation, or that it may be responsible for the 10-20 percent of mesotheliomas with no reported history of asbestos exposure." My husband, Bob, was among the 10-20 percent of cases with no known asbestos link. I have decided not to inoculate my children in this early round of mass H1N1 vaccinations. Lianne Bridges Thanks We would just like to thank all our neighbours and friends who sent cards and supported us so well during the illness and death of my daughter. Thank you all very much. Sharon & John Davidson The Hudson Gazette welcomes Letters to the Editor for publication in future issues. All letters should be signed, kept to a reasonable length and include a phone number for verification if necessary. They can be dropped off at our office or e-mailed to us at hudsongazette@videotron.ca. 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