Font ResizeNFL should consider having upper age limit
It should come as no surprise that former football star Junior Seau had degenerative brain disease when he committed suicide last year.
Seau was a hard-hitting linebacker who played until he was 40 years old. Could it have been depression triggered by his disease that made him come out of retirement just four days after announcing it in 2006? Possibly. If so, it probably increased the probability that Seau would do something to injure himself.
To prevent tragedies like this from recurring, the NFL should consider prohibiting players above a certain age from playing. I say 35. They already do it to protect younger players. Sorry, Tom Brady, but this could be your last year.
Steven Carton
San Francisco
Massacre should unite us to limit firearms
The massacre in Newtown, Conn., left me wondering that if it occurred in a safe and nonviolent community, it could certainly occur in Richmond.
I have younger siblings who go off to school, a place were we think they are safe and well taken care of. Seeing the tragedy that happened at Sandy Hook makes me worry for their safety.
We should unite and limit the ability of buying and selling assault weapons. They are only needed by the military and the police.
Denise Orozco
Traffic signals are ridiculously timed
I agree with the recent letter writer who wrote about the ridiculously timed traffic signals on Richmond Parkway and Valley View Road in Richmond. Most of those signals could be placed on flashing red to facilitate rather than impede traffic.
Storm-caused power outages often necessitate all signals to be placed on flashing red, and traffic moves with surprising ease. Some would argue that traffic flows even better.
It is certainly impeded at Valley View and May roads, where motorists are forced to waste fuel and time while not another moving vehicle can be seen for blocks in all four directions.
Bud Wakeland
El Sobrante
Hospital performs well for out-of-state visitor
Kudos to Washington Hospital. Recently, our visiting out-of-state granddaughter complained of stomach pain.
After a visit to urgent care, the attending doctor sent her home with the instruction to take Tylenol, drink lots of water and rest.
By late afternoon, the pain became so severe that her father took her to Washington Hospital ER. A CT scan showed a near-erupting appendix. She was quickly taken to surgery.
Our family is truly indebted to the ER medical team and staff; especially to her nurses Maria, Jessie, Ruth and Kevin and her treating surgeon, Dr. Araj.
Being away from home, she was frightened, but Dr. Araj and her nurses were so caring, she was comfortable and trusted them. She recovered quickly and is back in Wisconsin.
We are blessed to have an excellent hospital in our community.
Norma Sell
Newark
Must recognize Israel to develop some trust
A Jan. 10 letter writer doesn't understand why Israel demands that Palestinian leaders recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It comes down to one word -- trust.
Despite negotiations and peace treaties, Palestinian leaders still teach their people their ultimate goal is the elimination of Israel.
In religious sermons, Palestinian Muslim clerics preach about the duty of Muslims to kill Jews. In schools and camps, Palestinians are taught Israelis are their enemies.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas talks peace with Western leaders, but then promises Arab audiences that negotiating land for peace is just one step toward the goal of a Palestinian state replacing Israel.
As a result, many Israelis no longer trust the Palestinians when they claim they merely want their own state. By their words and deeds over the past two decades, Palestinians have convinced many Israelis that their ultimate goal remains the elimination of Israel.
Accepting Israel as a Jewish state would in no way harm Israel's non-Jewish citizens. Israel provides equal rights to all of its citizens, regardless of race or religion.
Andrew Gross
Union City
