The Old Coot is a hypocrite
By Merlin Lessler
Medical doctors take the Hippocratic Oath before they begin
the practice of medicine. The concept of a code of ethics is generally attributed
to Hippocrates, a physician and philosopher in ancient Greece. It includes the
principles of non-malefience, fidelity, beneficence, and justice. For me, it
boils down to the common phrase we all are familiar with: “Do no harm.” Lawyers
take an oath as well; their pledge is legally binding. It varies by state and
is quite comprehensive but needs updating to include a pledge to refrain from
ambulance chasing and trolling to sell that service on TV, radio, and other
media. Life would be so much improved; our insurance rates and the cost of
goods would certainly go down.
The business
community isn’t, but should be, held to an ethical standard that also boils
down to “do no harm.” Maybe then the pharmaceutical companies wouldn’t spend
huge budgets advertising miracle cures for every real and made-up ailment. And
businesses in general would stop offering defective manufactured products that
don’t live up to the hype. CEO’s should pledge to keep their management teams
focused on customers, not short term stock gains, and allow front line
employees to bend the rules in situations that defy common sense.
Oh boy, how about politicians? Pledge to max out after two
terms in office. It would be so nice. Where is Hippocrates when you need him? They
should also pledge to refrain from enacting new regulations for every minor incident
that comes to their attention. And when they enact regulations, they should
allow for common sense deviation from the regs, and bend the rules so they “do
no harm.”
Old coots should pledge to refrain from starting sentences
with, “Back in the good old days.” WE do take an oath, but nothing like the
Hippocratic Oath. Ours, is the “hypocrite” oath.
Comments? Send to – mlessler7@gmail
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