Koop a hero

At a time when all of Washington is political and none for the common good, the passing of Dr. C. Everett Koop serves as a reminder that public service should trump ideology. Dr. Koop clearly set aside his conservative beliefs and epitomized the position of Surgeon General.

I distinctly remember his broadcast on national television definitively declaring that cigarette smoking causes cancer. On that day more than 30 years ago, I ended a two-pack-per-day smoking habit and haven’t smoked a cigarette since. He probably saved the lives of tens of thousands, including me. He is a true American hero.

Barton Bloom

Clayton