Open Letter
Here is the response from Kindred Hospitals regarding the Open Letter below.  This response was sent by Eric Benmour of Kindred Healthcare:

Thank you for your comments. We share your anger and hurt about the removal of the flag. It is very important to clarify that a misunderstanding has been communicated through the media. The supervisor that is described in the media is actually the co-worker of Ms. McLucas and not Ms. McLucas's immediate supervisor. The incident was two nursing supervisors who got into a dispute. It was wrong and disrespectful and as soon as we learned about it, we took immediate action to correct the situation. The flag is now proudly displayed once again, and we apologize to all who were equally offended by this unpatriotic action, including the owner of the flag. We have reprimanded the employee and let them know we don't tolerate behavior inconsistent with our Company's values.

 
This is an open letter sent to members of Congress and email loops:

Dear Senator Mike Crapo,
        Senator James Risch,
        Rep. Mike Simpson,

Today I watched a News report of an incident that occurred at the following Health Care facility:

Kindred Hospital Corporation
1802 Highway 157 North
Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 473-5538

Prior to Memorial Day weekend, Debbie McLucas hung a 3x5 foot American flag in the office she shares with three other supervisors.  One of the other supervisors - an African woman who migrated her 14 years ago complained about the flag.  It offended her.  So McLucas' supervisor told her she had to take down the American Flag to please this African. 

I am offended by the un-American action taken by the hospital.  They chose to insult the American people and our country to please ONE AFRICAN WOMAN.   The hospital is a disgrace and it is my opinion that they should not be entrusted to provide health care to the American people because they obviously have no regard for Americans. 

I'm therefore asking that this hospital be decertified to care for Medicare and Medicaid patients and that all federal funding of any kind be removed.  Money spent on health care for American citizens should only be spent in facilities that can be trusted to provide proper and caring treatment to Americans. 

http://cbs11tv.com/local/patriotism.at.office.2.1020415.html

Sincerely,

 

Vicky L. Davis
May 27, 2009

 

CC:  Administrator, Kindred Hospital