TJ
7th April 2006, 08:32 AM
I don't know about you, but I very much enjoyed Fowlsound's contribution to this week's SWIFT, just as I enjoyed his original essay on the topic. For those who haven't done so already, do yourself a favor and read it. http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=49403
As much as Mr. Federlein disclaims his writing abilities, education, etc., you would not expect such a cogent, passionate, and well-written essay from him. Although David is very humble and self-depracating, the fact remains that he is a remakably intelligent, witty, sassy, sweet and talented guy. Don't let his humility fool you.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to hang out with him and his wife-to-be at TAM4, and I am very much looking forward to the same at TAM5.
David, I salute you. *bows*
This topic brought me to an interesting line of thought this morning, however. Throughout the recent years of my life, my nephew had leukemia, mom had skin cancer, dad had an inoperable cyst in the 3rd ventricle of his brain, and I may very well have a basal cell carcinoma on the back of my head (awaiting biopsy result).
I completely agree that the people selling what they know to be fraudulent 'treatments' are the lowest of the low, the likes of which only Sylvia Brown and John Edward can compare too. What bothers me nearly as much as the charlatans though, are the people who inadvertantly maintain the hope in these cures.
I can't really blame the people for sharing testimonials from there bridge partner's son-in-law's second cousin who had a friend that knew someone who was cured by acupuncture. Maybe it's human nature to gossip, maybe they just want to feel like they're helping, I don't know. I'm sure the intentions are good, but this pervasive rumor-mongering has made the alternative 'medicine' industry completely self-sustaining.
Most notably, the victims of whatever disease don't want to "limit their options", which also keeps the bunk alive and well.
I wish I had a solution, but it's going to be a long fight for us. I'm ready to fight, which brings me back to David Federlein. We may be able to do nothing on a grand scale, but fighting 4th and 5th-hand testimonials with real experiences, such as Fowlsound did here so wonderfully, is a real and very tangible tool that we can share with others to show them the truth.
Thank you, my friend. You continue to be an inspiration to me.
As much as Mr. Federlein disclaims his writing abilities, education, etc., you would not expect such a cogent, passionate, and well-written essay from him. Although David is very humble and self-depracating, the fact remains that he is a remakably intelligent, witty, sassy, sweet and talented guy. Don't let his humility fool you.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to hang out with him and his wife-to-be at TAM4, and I am very much looking forward to the same at TAM5.
David, I salute you. *bows*
This topic brought me to an interesting line of thought this morning, however. Throughout the recent years of my life, my nephew had leukemia, mom had skin cancer, dad had an inoperable cyst in the 3rd ventricle of his brain, and I may very well have a basal cell carcinoma on the back of my head (awaiting biopsy result).
I completely agree that the people selling what they know to be fraudulent 'treatments' are the lowest of the low, the likes of which only Sylvia Brown and John Edward can compare too. What bothers me nearly as much as the charlatans though, are the people who inadvertantly maintain the hope in these cures.
I can't really blame the people for sharing testimonials from there bridge partner's son-in-law's second cousin who had a friend that knew someone who was cured by acupuncture. Maybe it's human nature to gossip, maybe they just want to feel like they're helping, I don't know. I'm sure the intentions are good, but this pervasive rumor-mongering has made the alternative 'medicine' industry completely self-sustaining.
Most notably, the victims of whatever disease don't want to "limit their options", which also keeps the bunk alive and well.
I wish I had a solution, but it's going to be a long fight for us. I'm ready to fight, which brings me back to David Federlein. We may be able to do nothing on a grand scale, but fighting 4th and 5th-hand testimonials with real experiences, such as Fowlsound did here so wonderfully, is a real and very tangible tool that we can share with others to show them the truth.
Thank you, my friend. You continue to be an inspiration to me.