Discussion continued.
Dr. Bernstein--The point is that they do want it to be known as a cocktail party.
Dr. Harry Thompson--They can sponsor a Tournament but not a cocktail party. A Tournament is a tax deductible item.
Dr. Bernstein--When Mr. O'Connor first brought this subject to me I did not say one way or another; then I decided on polling the membership informally just to get an idea about it. Probably not more than 50% were polled, and reports from the pollers revealed only three "noes." What is your pleasure?
Dr. Hayden--I think we should let them spend their money.
Dr. Thompson--I do not know why we should jump at a free Golf Tournament just because it is free. It is a subsidy without doubt, but I will swing with the Majority. It is a departure from ordinary advertising. I said 'No' because I did not think it was dignified, and secondly, I did not think we should go to a Pfizer party and not some other party. If they would sponsor something like our Picnic, but why free liquor, free golf and free dinner, if we do not actually want it?
Dr. Bernstein--I think most of us have considered this, but it is also true that at Christmas time we accept gifts and think little of it. When I was in Chicago the Hearing Aid company put on a cocktail party, and I found that the biggest figures in medicine were shoved up the bar so thickly one couldn't even get near it. Why, then, should we be so rigid? It seems as if most of the fellows feel kindly toward this. Dr. Pyre is enthused about it. Actually, I feel that we should accept this as another opportunity to get together.
Dr. Beaton--I think it is unprofessional and I am against it.
Dr. Hayden--Should we decide here tonight, or leave it up to the Society?
Dr. Beaton--Apparently Mr. O'Connor has to know right away. Our next meeting is on Tuesday.
Dr. Neubauer--I am included to go along with Dr. Thompson and Dr. Beaton.
Dr. Fraser--I think the lack of enthusiasm shown here is because none of us play golf. The obvious reason for wanting to make it a tournament is the deductibility--it is a gift. We do not have to buy more Terramycin because we go. I think there would be more enthusiasm among the members who play a lot of golf.
Dr. Bernstein--As I said, the membership has been informally polled, and I am satisfied that the membership wants it. I found much enthusiasm, and if it does not go through there will be some disappointment.
Dr. Beaton--Of course, a great deal depends upon how the question is put, and this depends on what we have considered here tonight.
Dr. Rudolph--I move we leave it up to the membership.
Dr. Beaton--Dr. Bernstein, is it going to be embarrassing to you to take this up at the meeting with the Bar Association and Dental Society present?
Dr. Bernstein--I think it will be, but I can ask them to excuse us. I do not think it is a matter which concerns them; it is private business.
Dr. Hayden--Mr. Chairman, could we poll them by mail? I move that the members be polled by mail as to whether or not to accept the Golf Tournament sponsored by Pfizer according to the outline--known as the Pfizer-Physician's Golf Tournament sponsored by or for the Pima County Medical Society.
Dr. Rudolph--I second the motion.
Motion, upon being put to vote, was carried.
