Most state professional regulating bodies have specific rules regarding "impaired professionals." Minnesota, the state in which I live, provides the following information on their website:

(begin quote)

Q. What kinds of things can I complain about?

A. Most complaints about doctors of chiropractic fall into these categories:

1. Competency matters of all kinds

2. Impairment or chemical abuse <-------------------------

3. Sexual misconduct

4. Misleading advertising or fraud

5. Recordkeeping

6. Mismanagement of patient records

7. Improper delegation of authorities

8. Misleading patients with regard to health care coverage and financial responsibilities

While these are common areas of complaints, there are others. If you are unsure of whether or not you have a complaint that is within the jurisdiction of the Board, you are encouraged to call and discuss it with the Board staff.

(end quote)

(Source: Minnesota Board of Chiropractice Examiners http://www.mn-chiroboard.state.mn.us/complain.htm)

The burden is on a licensed professional to behave in a way that is consistent with the trust that is placed in him or her by the public. It is clear from this letter that regardless of the complicating issues involved (payment for devices, calls at home, etc.) the letter writer has a rational basis for reporting this chirporactor, based on #1 and #2. Let the board decide. That's their job.

I empathize with the writer's frustration, and sense of being disrespected by his parents. The GLBT Issue is a legitimate one that can tear families apart, or simply simmer under the surface without being talked about.

I'm thinking, though, that the writer's resentment about the situation he is in with his parents is about many things, and not simply their political positions. The fact that he is curtailing his own lifestyle to essentially support parents (who don't seem terribly motivated to get off the dole), while his siblings do nothing seems to indicate that bigger problems are at play.

If he was to take his stand on solely the political question, using his financial support as a lever to get what he wants, he could very well end up alienating his parents without ever resolving the deeper issues.

I say: talk to siblings ("I can no longer support Mom and Dad to the degree I have been. How can we work together to help our parents?")

talk to mom and dad ("I want you to know how much your support for this political ideology hurts me", )

talk to the husband ("How is this resentment I have with my parents effecting us?")

....and talk to a therapist to help him sort out his feelings and set appropriate boundaries with his parents.

Where's the line?

Sickening.

Unfortunate typo in the Obama quote:

"No one likes SPAYING taxes," he said, but it is an "obligation of citizenship," necessary to pay for "the common defense and mutual well-being."

While I was disappointed to hear that the CA Supremes upheld Prop 8, I am heartened that the approximately 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who wed during the period it was legal will remain married. While the anti-same-sex marriage proponents thump their chests at what they will surely view as a victory, the presence among the CA electorate of these same sex married couples will be a continual reminder of the injustice in place today. Make no mistake: time and demographics are on the side of GLBT people. This is a only temporary setback.

To find a community mental health clinic that offers free or sliding fee counseling services you can call your local United Way. Most UWs provide referrals to community resources. In many communities in the U.S., you can reach the United Way referral services by dialing "211." Good luck!