Thanks for all the great comments!

Hi,

I wanted to say thank you for all the great comments I have received about the blog! Since the launch of the book, I have been primarilly blogging at:

http://www.coppolathebook.blogspot.com

If you've missed any posts, you can check there.

Take care!

Chris

I got some very exciting news this week; our book is now available for order!

http://www.coppolathebook.com/

Here are some quotes from advance readers:

Powerful, thought-provoking and unforgettable, A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq stands alone among accounts of the Iraq war. Unlike other authors, Chris Coppola has chosen to focus on the two issues that transcend all conflict: our mortality and our sense of morality. Writing with poignant honesty, he illuminates the well-worn generalizations of war with trenchant details, recounting stories about American and Iraqi individuals who must bear, as well as care for, the often tragic consequences of combat. You will never again look at the Iraq war – or any war for that matter -- in quite the same way. - Dr. Pauline Chen, transplant surgeon and best-selling author, Final Exam, A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality

Dr. Chen's Book and New York Times Column: http://paulinechen.typepad.com/

“Coppola speaks as a witness to human tragedy—a testimony of two deployments in hell . . . This is a heartbreaking memoir by a hero who would never call himself that . . . essential reading for our time.” —Terry Sanders, two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker, producer/director, Fighting For Life

Terry's film account of military medicine: http://www.fightingforlifethemovie.com/

“War often puts doctors in impossible situations. Dr. Chris Coppola's remarkable account of his experience as a combat surgeon in Iraq throws a whole new light on medicine under fire . . . This is a great read and tribute to the American spirit of generosity." —Dr. Khassan Baiev, president, the International Committee for the Children of Chechnya and author, The Oath: A Surgeon under Fire

Dr. Baiev's account of surgery in wartime Chechnya: http://www.theoathbook.com/home.php

"Compelling, heartwrenching . . . Coppola reveals the true victims of war; the children of Iraq." —Gunnar Swanson, War Kids Relief

More about War Kids Relief: http://warkidsrelief.org/

“With a quick wit, and a fine tongue, Coppola brings a fresh voice to the war.” —Michael Anthony, Iraq veteran and author, Mass Casualties: A Young Medic’s True Story of Death, Deception, and Dishonor in Iraq

About Michael's book: http://www.redroom.com/publishedwork/mass-casualties-a-young-medics-true-story-death-deception-and-dishonor-iraq

I am very happy for such complimentary feedback, and I would love to hear any and all opinions from others.

A lot of people have asked my opinion on the recent round of health care reform, and I have to admit I don't have much confidence that we are going to get much done. The way I see it, everyone debating health care has made up their mind before coming to the table, and is shouting their opinion so loudly, they can't hear the other side.

I see images of people on Medicare, a government health plan saying that government health plans would be an abomination and should not be allowed to exist.

http://www.nj.com/ledgerlive/index.ssf/2009/08/health_care_reform_town_hall_n.html

I see citizens holding vigils and protests, and opponents pay no heed or accuse them of greed.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/03/supporters-hold-vigil-health-care-reform/

At one protest, an Obama supporter actually bit off a man's finger!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hAkLGsyNutX4LzUQhcc2zUSHXqYgD9AG37B80

Fortunately, the man's health care was paid for by Medicare.

I honestly don't think all of the shouting will amount to anything, but the truth remains, that is our American way. We debate our country's business in public, and every voice, no matter how stubborn or ornery has an equal right to be heard. I bet we would have a plan in place already if we were in a country where policy could be enacted in secret, but that is not our way.

For my part, what I think we need to decide is if we believe that we citizens have a right to the benefits of health care, or if it is a privilege for those who can afford it. Day after day I take care of children regardless of whether they have insurance or not. Everyone who works in an ER in this country does the same. It's kind of hard to achieve the inalienable right to pursue happiness for ourselves and our children without health. I'll bet most Americans feel this way about themselves and their families. It isn't too much of a leap to listen for a moment and realize that our neighbors feel the same way we do, and we should pull together to make sure no one gets left behind.