“In good conscience” is a wonderful phrase, just recently used by John McCain as he explained his vote against the current health care bill in the U.S. Senate.  It’s like the “do no harm” phrase in the Hippocratic oath.

If a person truly means it, in good conscience tells us that the person has thoroughly explored an issue or an idea and has drawn a conclusion based on that exploration. McCain followed his statement with a whole litany of reasons for his position.

It doesn’t matter where John McCain stands in your political eyes. Would that we would follow his lead and make all of our decisions “in good conscience.”

In good conscience, the person or persons who have information about the killing of Stacey Burns would step forward. (They won’t.)

In good conscience, the police who say they know who killed this poor woman would arrest the murderer who committed the crime over eight years ago. (They won’t)

In good conscience, the N.H. prosecutor would decide to prosecute this case, assuming the risk involved. (He won’t)

In good conscience, the public would be provided at least a minimal update of this case (not the usual “ongoing, active” update) to demonstrate that something is being done. (They won’t)

Finally, several friends and acquaintances have wondered over the years why I bother to spend the time and energy on the Stacey Burns case. Well, in good conscience,  I can’t let it go even though most efforts seem to be wasted.

Duke