To the Editor:

I read with dismay the report in the November issue of Review of Ophthalmology in which a panel of physicians weighed in who they thought would be the most appropriate person to become president of the United States [National Panel, p.6]. The most gracious comment that could be made was the results indicate why physicians should not be in positions of responsibility.

Those who were concerned about Senator Obama's "lack of experience" seemed to be unaware that there is an inverse relationship between political experience as defined by most individuals and performance as president of the United States. Though clearly very different, Presidents Jefferson, Lincoln and Reagan rank among the most wonderful presidents of the United States, yet of the three, only Lincoln had any political experience at all. In contrast, many of those with years of experience, such as Buchanan, were catastrophes. The most appalling thing is how anybody could want to vote back into office a party which has led the United States to an all-time low in reputation around the world, has squandered a strong economic position we have had for many, many years, and which supported a war which has only made terrorism worse and bankrupted both our country and the world.

Sincerely,

George L. Spaeth, MD

Louis J. Esposito Research Professor

Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia