DEAR ABBY: The three-question self-test you advised readers to give themselves before spreading rumor or gossip is reminiscent of Rotary International's Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do:
(1) Is it the truth?
(2) Is it fair to all concerned?
(3) Will it build good will and better friendships?
(4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Asking ourselves these questions before we inflict verbal venom on our brothers and sisters makes us better and more fair-minded human beings. -- BRUCE FRASSINELLI, OSWEGO, N.Y.
DEAR BRUCE: I agree. And in this time of political divisiveness and turmoil -- with mud-slinging, labeling and name calling being done both nationally and locally -- Rotary's Self-Test should be applied before anyone in the public arena opens his (or her) mouth.