Pubdate: Fri, 29 Mar 2002
Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL)
Copyright: 2002 The Pensacola News Journal
Contact:  http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675
Author: Randy Compton
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n434/a02.html?10824

DR. GRAVES EDITED THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH FOR FINANCIAL GREED

In response to the recent letter from Dave Michon ("Witch hunt," March 11) 
of Eau Claire, Wis. (and similar letters of same sentiments) regarding the 
case of recently convicted Dr. James Graves, methinks the Graves "support" 
group doth protest a bit too much.

Michon argues that people like Assistant State Attorney Russ Edgar, for 
example, "have no feelings" when it comes to people in pain.

First, let me say, I agree with Mr. Michon's claim that Dr. Graves' 
"customers" were (and are) "in pain." If kicking a drug addiction were 
"painless," certainly more people would make an effort to do it. The fact 
that an addiction exists will create "pain" whenever a "craving" takes 
place. Coincidentally, the "pain" typically worsens whenever a "source" 
disappears.

The case against Dr. Graves wasn't based on the effort to dispel the truth 
that real pain exists in certain individuals. The case against Dr. Graves 
was based on the fact that senseless "pain" was created (and supported) by 
Dr. Graves' desire to edit the Hippocratic oath to suit his own financial 
greed.

Dr. Graves edited the line of his professional oath that reads "First, do 
no harm" to read "Show me the money."

Randy Compton,
Pensacola
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