I recently read the letter in The Chiropractic Journal (April 2002) by Dr. Chotkowski and I would like to put in my 'two cents.'

I am a veteran and a chiropractor of 11 years. I have been a chiropractic patient for approximately 35 years. Dr. Chotkowski is either extremely prejudiced and blinded by his prejudice or he is being paid to carry on his campaign – or both.

I hope he gets the opportunity to read this because I am going to be blunt (and all who wish can privately cheer me on). I correct subluxations every day, Dr. Chotkowski. I palpate them and verify with X-ray findings.

Thank God we do because your 'medicine' has not, does not, nor will come close to what chiropractic can and does do. I know not only from the perspective of being a patient but also a doctor.

In addition to being a combat engineer officer I was also a laboratory technician (in a hospital) for the U.S. Army. I know firsthand about medical failures so you can just stuff your cocky medical know-it-all attitude. I and millions of other veterans deserve much better than YOU.

And yes, by correcting subluxations I have helped skin conditions, headaches, insomnia, dizziness, visual disturbances, loss of vocal chord function, high blood pressure, thyroid conditions, allergies, asthma, diabetes, menstrual cramps, digestive disorders, bed wetting, bronchitis just to name a few and I'm certain I've overlooked some.

Every one of those conditions I listed was a MEDICAL FAILURE. But you know, I have never tried to coerce a patient out of seeking medical attention if they felt they needed it and I have referred at times to medical colleagues. My patients have always been thankful whether I helped them or referred them to someone else who did.

You see, I love my patients and care for their well-being. You, Dr. Chotkowski are full of hate. That is obvious from the tone of your letter. You do not belong in the healing profession and if I had any say, you would not be practicing on anyone. You are dangerous. You flaunt your title of "chief of medicine' like it means something.

We know from past experience that there are those who attain the title of President of the United States who do not deserve it. It is not the title that makes a man (or woman) great but the person who brings honor to the title and makes it great.

One more thing doctor. One of my recommendations for entering chiropractic school came from the chief of pathology in the military hospital at Ft. Polk, La. Some people have the ability to do the right thing in spite of their own prejudices.

Dr. Rich Roth (former 1st Lt. U.S. Army)
via e-mail

I'd like to congratulate you (Dr. Terry A Rondberg) on a well-written article. It's not often that I agree with you, but your recent Publisher's Perspective titled "Missing the point in the prostitution scandal" was the most responsible reaction to this issue that I've seen.

As a D.C. in California, I appreciate your accurate portrayal of this embarrassing situation. As you state, times are tough for chiropractors in California. But, this doesn't serve as a reason, nor an excuse, for breaking the law in such a demeaning way.

Thank you for emphasizing that the behavior of this small number of individuals is not representative of the majority of ethical, hard-working D.C.s.

I recently read the response of the California Chiropractic Association to this disgraceful state of affairs. In my opinion, the CCA appeared to be more upset with the media for reporting this situation than at the criminal behavior of the "chiropractors" involved. The CCA seemed to be more interested in distancing themselves from the individuals than in standing up for the profession as you have.

Thanks again.

Paul D. Hooper, D.C. Chair,
Department of Principles and Practice Southern California University of Health Sciences

Thank you for The Chiropractic Journal. It is a beacon of light to the leaders of our profession – the 1% of the 1% – those leaders who influence others to a course of action to DO something ... to get something done.

A leader changes attitudes, produces results, commands influence and moves the bottom line. This is what we expect of business leaders. This is what we NEED in chiropractic. Leadership is visionary, often charismatic, setting an example and commanding influence. Leadership motivates the ideals, the visions, the aspirations and abilities of people.

The Chiropractic Journal is a subluxation-based, lifetime-care publication that adheres to the Universal principles and the philosophical paradigms established with the founding of our profession in 1895 and ring true in the 21st century.

Chiropractic is strong because the principles remain the same.

Dr. Sean Reif
Thornton, Colorado

Bravo on your editorial!

We needed the hooker scandal like we need a colostomy bag. Those degenerate D.C.s let their offices be used for prostitution risked not only their own careers, but also the reputation of the profession at large. They may go to jail, but they are a blot upon the memory of the many chiropractors who went to jail for doing chiropractic when it was considered "practicing medicine without a license."

You are absolutely right. For the accused chiro-pimps to use their abuse by managed care as an excuse for their behavior is absurd. One of the many wonderful things about chiropractic, especially these days, is that the way to not just survive, but to make a very good living is the most direct and honest way to practice. That is the cash practice.

D.C.s who are still stuck in the swamp of third party pay do not realize that people will pay, and pay well, for something as valuable as chiropractic. If a D.C. values chiropractic, and teaches the value of chiropractic to his or her community, that community will value chiropractic. If "stuck-in-the-swamp" chiropractors still don't think people will actually pay for care, they can ask their practice members how much they spent on their last vacation, or what they spent at the dentist for the last bridge that took only two visits, or how many spent $3 - $4,000 on a mountain bike, or $40,000 on a new SUV.

What if we all contemplated the true value of allowing an individual, or a family, to live a subluxation-free life?

Don Harte
via e-mail