Icon viewers:
Life in a small town.

I've been a full time Chiropractor in Bluffton, since May 19, 1975.  Small
town pace suits me, I grew up about 2 miles outside of LaFayette.

As a small town businessman, I have always tried to run my business with one
goal in mind.  Giving the best care I can to my patients, ALL patients, no
matter their age, race, gender, religious beliefs, or, POLITICAL affiliation.
 
None of that matters to me, or, influences my care to my patients in any
way.

The reason I am writing this?  I received an email from a patient who was
upset about the political signs that she had seen in front of my old office
at 204 S Main St.  (I'm now at 546 N. Main St., by the way) They wanted to be
taken off my email list, and, it was quite clear they weren't going to be my
patient anymore. Problem is, those signs, NOT MINE!

I have always rented office space since I opened for business. I have NEVER
put up a political sign in front of my office. The landlord, Fred Rodabaugh,
who lives in the building, placed those signs there. To my knowledge, I don't recall him ever asking me if it was OK.  I would have told him that I would prefer he kept them on his side of the building, but, he didn't consult me.

Doesn't matter, the damage has already been done, this ex-patient was upset,
and, I hate to think it, but, they may have expressed their outrage to anyone
who would listen. 

There's a quote from a very popular book that comes to mind, "Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness".  Spreading rumors and opinions about someone else is very dangerous, especially in a small town. You can ruin someone's business, their livelihood, their reputation, their life. What you're spreading, may not even be true!

So, to ANYONE who may have decided not to be a patient of mine, because of
the political signs you may have seen in front of my old office, or, hearing
someone's opinion about them, well, I won't insult you.

Seems a lot of folks these days are wearing their politics on their sleeves,
letting those opinions determine who to have as a friend, who to do business
with, etc.  I think that's pretty sad. They are denying themselves relationships with some good people.

Unlike some of the big CEO's and company Presidents out there today, I'm not
STUPID enough to tell ANYONE that I don't want their business, for ANY reason!  "Momma didn't raise no fool," as the saying goes.

I don't care what your politics are, I will do my best to treat you with respect, and, give you the best care I can muster, every time you come in to my office.

Small town life is great, but, as a businessman, you have to be VERY careful
not to upset anyone, it'll get around town so fast, your head will spin! 

I can't afford to alienate anyone, my business depends on a good reputation.  I
appreciate those who trust me with their Chiropractic care, no matter who you
are, or, what you believe, or, how you vote. I would hope you would extend
to me that same courtesy.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Chiropractor,
Doc James
(Robert E. James, Jr., DC)

P.S.  By the way, as an announcement, I'll be closed this Saturday, Oct.
21, while I attend a license renewal seminar in Dayton.