The 20/20 Editorial Team

James J. Spina
VP, Editor-in-Chief

Jacqueline Micucci
Executive Editor

Gloria Nicola
Senior Features Editor

Andy Karp
Group Editor, Lenses and Technology

Melissa Arkin
Associate Editor

10/14/2008 Substantial Witness
Posted by 20/20&U Blog Admin
Location: Blogs2020&U
 		    
What follows is a letter to 20/20 concerning an editorial column in the October issue of L&T.  Pam Holt has agreed to letting 20/20 publish her letter on the 2020&U blog.
To 20/20 Magazine-

Thankfully we live in a country that allows us to express our thoughts.
However, I really am not interested in an optical trade magazine expressing one person’s political views. Mr. Karp’s obvious political leanings withstanding, his column "Emphasizing Substance over Style" was in my opinion, inappropriate for an optical magazine.

To say Governor Palin (which you did not have the courtesy to address properly) has squandered a valuable opportunity is so blatantly wrong. In my opinion, what Governor Palin has done for the entire optical industry is show that a great looking pair of eyeglasses are to be worn proudly. If you think about it, not often do you see "famous women" wearing eyeglasses; sunglasses yes, but seldom prominent eyeglasses. So instead of bashing her, the optical industry as a whole, should all be thanking her.

And I have a suggestion on the need for more Americans having access to eyecare. I do understand that there are many that "give back" to their community but if every ECP offered 1 percent of their total patient base free or discounted eyecare, I bet the optical community could solve this problem on their own.

Pam Holt
Licensed Optician
Longwood, Florida
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Comments (9)   Add Comment
Re: Substantial Witness
By michele bismuth		 10/17/2008
s
bravo Pam !
Re: Substantial Witness
By Optical Assistant-- NY		 10/17/2008
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I did not read the article but now I'll make it a point to read it. I agree With Pam Holt, Governor Palin has utmost style & grace in her clothing & glasses. I have often chosen contacts over glasses, now I feel differently about wearing my glasses in public- Thanks PAM & Sara
Re: Substantial Witness
By Mickey Bradley Fort Worth, TX		 10/17/2008
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The interest she has brought to our business is great.We should all be agressivly fanning this flame and having available "Sara Palin" glasses, or for the other side of the aisle, Tina Fey glasses. We all can win with this new interest.
Re: Substantial Witness
By DIANE BARD		 10/17/2008
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I toally agree with Pam Holt's comments, Governor Palin has style...we have many inquires about her frame.
Re: Substantial Witness
By Optical Manager Grapevine, TX		 10/17/2008
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DITTO! Bravo, Pam! Thank you for speaking your mind and giving us a kick in the butt to speak up as well. We in the optical industry often have several glasses to sport about and choose from. Why not applaud a high profile figure for proudly wearing hers? We do it every day!
Let's Get Political
By David J Casper, O.D.		 10/20/2008
s
I believe that any business should be concerned. One candiate is Liberal, the other is Communist, ie. - "... Spreading the wealth..." Furthermore. dare not we speak? Maybe not if the Socialists, aka, Democrats take full control. Look at Joe the plumber.
In any business, if one expresses an opinion, they alienate, to some extent, voters of the other side. I would never be a politician, however, I had a Democrat political job in Chicago... and, YES, the dead do vote, so do the sick and dying. Our precinct captain voted for them within ten to fifteen minutes of Poll Closing.
'GOD D_MN AMERICA' when or if the Democrats take over!
Re: Substantial Witness
By Katrina Loo Kingsport, Tennessee		 10/20/2008
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Sarah Palin's Kawasaki frames are certainly fashion forward. It is nice to finally have a political candidate that does have some style in eyeglasses. However, I do agree that more emphasis should be placed on issues of substance than that of fashion. She (as well as all the other candidates) could have used all the fuss to highlight the need for proper eye care. We need a highly visible "celebrity" to bring awareness to the importance of eye exams. Too many people belive that if they see well, then everything is fine. As eyecare providers, we know this is not the case. The company for which I work does give back to the community. Our doctor donates the eye exams and we donate free eyeglasses for the needy. However, this is not enough.
Sarah Palin has been good for business. Of that there is no doubt. The glasses are beautiful, and as someone who has been wearing and selling Kawasaki frames for over eight years, I can attest to their quality, style and comfort. (I have four pairs!) We certainly should be grateful for the boost in interest in eyeglasses, however we should also be aware that this also boosts our responsibility to educate and inform the public.

P.S. Incidently, Whoopie Goldberg also wears Kawasaki and 2.5 frames (and has for several years). Supposedly, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton do as well.
Re: Substantial Witness
By MERCURA NYC		 12/1/2008
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Interesting comment, Katrina, you say "Too many people belive that if they see well, then everything is fine. As eyecare providers, we know this is not the case" I read this comment and read it again as it came out meaning so many things to me. Do you wish this have several meanings? From where is your news on Hilary and Chelsea derived? Can many people afford these frames? Prices please.
Re: Substantial Witness
By Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen		 1/20/2009
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There was no response to my question! Another direction coming strongly into the eyewear scene is strongly individualistic. Rising stars of another kind. Check out the new rising star Naima Mora in MERCURA NYC sunglasses, please.
http://all-antm.net/displayimage.php?album=244&pos=50
http://all-antm.net/displayimage.php?album=244&pos=51
She represents a whole new refreshing story

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