Politicians as Scum?

I suggest we avoid using words like scum for politicians. We are all entitled to our opinions about them, and I know they are the favourite whipping boys of many. But let us not go overboard in the outburst of our feelings.

Let us not forget how we feel when people from the antipsychiatry movement heap vitriol on us. We just stop listening. They may do the same.

And then we, our cause - the Mental Health Movement, and ultimately the welfare of psychiatric patients, suffer.

Whether we like it or not, we have to collaborate with them in many matters. Let's try and get the best out of them.

Calling them names will surely not.

Moreover, to paint all politicians with the same brush is an unproved assumption. We may enjoy doing it, but let's prove it before we accept it. We are scientific people, are we not?

We are very careful in what we say and do with regard to medical and psychiatric terms. Why not do the same with regard to social issues of concern to psychiatry?

Ajai
27 May 2006