  We discuss the unstable character of the solutions of the Lorentz-Dirac
equation and stress the need of methods like order reduction to derive a
physically acceptable equation of motion. The discussion is illustrated with
the paradigmatic example of the non-relativistic harmonic oscillator with
radiation reaction. We also illustrate removal of the noncasual
pre-acceleration with the introduction of a small correction in the
Lorentz-Dirac equation.
