Dear Friends,
Let us always remember that Lactnet is public.  When we make sarcastic
comments about our colleagues in the medical community, these most often
make their way into the hands of others who can use these comments to
discredit our profession. We already have the reputation of not being
collegial.  I truly believe that nothing is served by this sort of idle
commentary even if there is a temporary relief from the venting.  We are a
disenfranchised bunch.  Few outside our own circles take us seriously.  I
understand (and often share) the frustration that this creates.  However let
us take ourselves seriously enough to conduct our discourse without
put-downs or any ridicule. If we want to gain respect as a profession, we
have to act professionally.  The early anti-tobacco people and the early
environmentalists were dismissed as whackos and fools -- that was a very
effective way to attempt to silence them.  It took researchers and activists
of impeccable credentials who worked with dedication and excellence to turn
the tide of public opinion.  Do you think the formula people are fools?  Do
you think they don't see the handwriting on the wall when they hear people
begin to talk about warning labels and see the amount of data being ammassed
about the dangers of infant formula.  A very logical strategy for them will
be to continue to discredit our profession.  Please don't give them
ammunition by being a loose cannon.
Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html