March 16, 1973
Editor The Paper
Human beings have certain rights. We do not, however, have a right to demand a service or valuable thing of another person which would not benefit both parties. We all find pleasure and good in giving our services and loving consideration to others. Truly, money cannot sufficiently recompense another’s love. But to have receivers gang up and demand such services uninvited, is a disaster to all. The giver is angry at becoming a slave, and receivers are angry it is not given gracefully. Those who proclaim “health is a human right” are wrong because their demands enslave the provider and make unrealistic expectations of relief. Those who say they have a right to good health should not, at the same time, damage their own health. One is diabetic or jaundiced from over-eating or over-drinking. One gets emphysema and lung cancer from smoking. One gets hardening of the arteries from excess dietary fat. Reasonable hygiene and regular rest are necessary to good health. Certainly, one must not derange his brain with drugs. Health cannot be a human right when it is flagrantly destroyed by the ones who desire and need it. Do not purposely jump into a well and scream for help. When someone graciously pulls you out, don’t complain he tore your clothes. — John M. Laird, M.D. Editor – St.Louis County Medical Society Bulletin
Originally published in The Paper, April 1973.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1973_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2.
