First Rule: Do No Harm

To The Editor:

Although this statement has nothing to do with the physician’s oath, it has everything to do with how we confront each other. Harm is the result of attacking personalities rather than attacking issues. Inflicting harm is a symptom of distrusting each other. What seems to be good for one’s pursuits can do harm to other’s pursuits. Aren’t issues more important than personalities?

Do any means justify any goals? Is victory everything? Does demonizing others justify a position? Does misrepresenting issues do harm? Is winning at any cost the only thing to consider in contentious moments?

Look around. Do children know the Golden Rule and see it in practice? Are you closing your eyes to harmful actions in personal, local, state and national agendas? It is never wrong to do the right thing. Do no harm!

Jim Howse

La Grange