Re: “Dr. Abe Bergman handled Seattle and the nation” [Dec. 13, Opinion]:
The chief acknowledged Dr. Abe Bergman’s formidable achievements as a youngsters’s advocate, however did not go on his oft-repeated recommendation to all those that communicate for the politically powerless.
He was my major mentor and infrequently included these aphorisms in a speech or when giving recommendation to colleagues and residents:
1. “All just isn’t hopeless if we cease behaving like bleating sheep.”
2. “People could be extra highly effective than bureaucratic organizations.”
3. “Cease moaning and groaning in regards to the destiny of kids and discover ways to be efficient: Construct coalitions; work with media; seek the advice of lobbyists.”
4. “The best battles are fought towards those that are supposedly on our facet.”
5. “Work on points you care about, which can be vital, the place an answer is feasible. Select the fitting objective: You search a world the place no youngsters starve, I search a world the place fewer youngsters starve.” (Attributed to Albert Camus.)
6. And what I feel was the crux of his perspective: “Indignation with out motion is foam!” (Attributed to William Gladstone.)
Edgar Ok. Marcuse, MD, MPH, Seattle, Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics, College of Washington