Why is it that…
…those in our profession who consider themselves the intellectual superiors cannot understand the simple philosophy of chiropractic?
…those who cry for unity in the profession constantly attack, ridicule, and denigrate those who think differently than they do?
…those that want to lead the profession merely follow the medical model?
…those who see the salvation of our profession in technical, scientific research cannot even accurately describe straight chiropractic without distorting and misrepresenting its tenets, premises, principles, and technical terminology?
Why ask Why?
The ACA has strongly supported the Mercy Document, saying we need uniform standards of care within the profession. Yet the primary standard of care for any profession is state law and the ACA has long opposed uniformly defining the practice of chiropractic for the individual states. The reason is that the Mercy Document in no way conflicts with the ACA model of chiropractic (after all, they wrote it). They cannot be sure, however, that a National Definition and Scope of Practice Act agreed upon by the profession would fit that model.
Medicine almost never addresses both the quality and quantity (length) of life. They give drugs to relieve symptoms, improving, if only temporarily, the quality of life. This undoubtedly reduces the quantity, however. Conversely, they will perform procedures that prolong life at the expense of the quality. If they are improving quality, they are reducing quantity. If they are increasing quantity, they are reducing quality. Chiropractic, on the other hand, never sacrifices one of the other.
Based upon computer projection, in the year 2010, there will be 82,375 chiropractors in the U.S. However, only 4,000 will be practicing chiropractic. The other 78,375 will be practice management consultants.
People are no healthier today than they were 60 or 70 years ago because of the advances of modern medicine. They are just able to live a little more comfortably with their illness. v9n6