| Dear Colleague, We are writing to you because we know you are a dedicated chiropractor. Our purpose is to inform, encourage and raise awareness of progress being made to advance chiropractic. It is not necessary to list all of the challenges of the profession; we know them. The evidence is in the media and elsewhere. The perceptions of chiropractic fall far short of what we all know it should be. Externally there are forces of opposition, but the real problem exists in a vocal minority proclaiming a bizarre confusion about identity. We all know what chiropractic is and this has never been in doubt. The founder expressed it clearly, when he defined the profession in his 1910 textbook, “Chiropractic is a name I originated to designate the science and art of adjusting vertebrae. It does not relate to the study of etiology, or any branch of medicine. Chiropractic includes the science and art of adjusting vertebrae—the know how and the doing.”[1] Philosophies progress with new knowledge and accordingly the chiropractic objective advanced from, “treating conditions” to “living vertebral subluxation free.” Although philosophies advance, a profession’s identity, its raison d'ętre maintains its integrity. Chiropractic’s identity, the vertebral subluxation, remains its reason for being. Recognizing this truth, in the winter of 2006, a dedicated group of chiropractors from around the globe met in Portland, Oregon, to discuss the state of the profession. They resolved to work toward finding viable and productive solutions that would advance the cause of chiropractic. This message is a status report and more importantly an invitation to participate. We believe that there exists a Silent Majority of the profession that know what chiropractic is. Although a confused identity might serve some perverse agenda, chiropractors know better. Martin Luther King, Jr. warned us that, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” If the profession is to advance it is necessary for those who really care to take the advice of Abraham Lincoln, who said, “Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.” [2] Please consider voicing your authority as a part of the silent majority and as you consider this invitation, please remember the words of one other great American, Thomas Jefferson, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Here is a simple, yet effective way for you to take decisive action. Please go to the web site: www.advancingchiropractic.com register & sign on to the mission statement. The Committee of the Portland Project |
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