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. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

PMCID: PMC1681621
letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

Roger A Baker 1

To the Editor,

I congratulate you and the AMA [American Medical Association] for taking a stand against boxing.[1] You state, and I quote, “boxing should be banned in civilized countries.”

Boxing should be banned in “all” countries, and from that observation another question arises. Is a nation that spends over $400 billion annually on weapons of mass and nonmass destruction, and that neglects it schools, homeless, healthcare for the uninsured, etc, a civilized country? Those secondary questions could be avoided if you included all countries in your opening statement.

Sincerely,

Reference

letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

Craig Schoenbaum 1

To the Editor,

I wholeheartedly and emphatically agree with you.[1] It should be removed from the Olympics; pros should be required to wear protective headgear; and significantly expensive fees should be charged to promoters and sponsors to pay for the medical treatment of the many victims. An outright ban could drive it underground and create more problems than it solves. Keep this fight going!

Thank you.

Reference

letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

Sherry Card 1

To the Editor,

I couldn't help but respond to this topic.[1] I am an occupational therapist who provides cognitive therapy to individuals who have experienced post concussion syndrome after work or motor vehicle accidents. The disruption and havoc that is created in their lives and their families lives is tragic.

To think that someone would get paid to cause these tragedies or be on the receiving end of them is mind-boggling!

Reference

letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

Henry Steinberger 1

To the Editor,

I heard your editorial and agree wholeheartedly.[1] As a psychologist who has worked with brain-injured clients (from falls and alcohol primarily), I am acutely aware of what even minor brain damage means to the person and his or her quality of life. If we are going to warn people about alcohol and the brain damage it does with heavy and prolonged use (not to mention falls and car accidents), how can we allow a so-called “sport” in which the infliction of brain damage is the goal?

You said it well. Thank you.

Reference

letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

Tim Gust 1

To the Editor,

As a clinical neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience, my opinion is clear; boxing should be banned as a sport.[1] Not only are brains injured, but also kidneys, spleens, and hands can be impaired. It should no longer be accepted as a sport. It is a warlike activity and might best be saved for wars.

Reference

letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

George W Harvey

To the Editor,

Dr. Lundberg has clearly stated the main reasons for banning boxing.[1] I was lucky to have just barely enough sense to quit collegiate boxing before accumulating sufficient brain damage to disqualify me for graduate studies. I could feel the effects of a bout even though I had won, and realized that winning did not protect a boxer from brain damage. Enduring brain damage is not a manifestation of bravery; it shows lack of knowledge. Everyone needs to know that protecting one's brain is vital to realizing one's full abilities in our society.

Reference

letter MedGenMed. 2005 Aug 16;7(3):29.

Readers' Responses to “Boxing Should Be Banned in Civilized Countries – Round 4”

Michael Sukoff 1

To the Editor,

More deaths are found in professional horse racers.

Boxers are not forced to participate.[1] Doctors and others in high-stress professions can develop brain damage from stokes at a higher rate than magazine editors or laborers; the latter always suffer spinal degenerative disease. Football linemen are intent on injuring their opposition as are pitchers, in some instances. Fifty thousand of us die in auto accidents related almost exclusively to falling asleep at the wheel or alcohol. Life is tough. If a young man or woman wishes to expose himself or herself to risk, it is his or her choice. Immoral? So is war. The pharmaceutical industry has a well-known stake in immorality, and all too many surgeries and invasive procedures are performed. We have been given the opportunity of self-choice; we can and still must be able to decide what we believe is right or wrong for us in interacting with others, as long as they also choose willingly.

Reference

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