Hi folks,
You never want to start an arms race, or you end up like Alice and the Red Queen, moving faster but getting nowhere. I think I might have started such a race in the form of an undercurrent of hostility in a comment stream in response to a blog post I wrote a while ago. In fact, I have clearly irritated some people by countering arguments made by Shane Ellison about the ‘drug industry.’ If you want the details go to my blog post, entitled, “A Masters Degree in Science! In Defense Of My Colleagues In PHARMA,” and the associated comment stream.
I concluded from researching Mr. Ellison and listening to his video that he was at best disingenuous. His presentation reminded me of ‘Dr. Science,’ with his Master’s Degree in Science. I reexamined the material a few minutes ago, and see no reason to change my opinion about Mr. Ellison without further evidence to the contrary. However, I indicated in my comment stream to one Shane Ellison supporter, Damien, that I found his comment to be hostile in nature. I was lying in bed thinking about this an hour or so later, and it occurred to me that my response to the Shane Ellison video used mockery, and mockery is certainly hostile in nature. So I regret this, but I still find the parallel to be valid, so maybe Damien is also being reasonable and his energy just reflects his sincerity, not hostility. I must add, in support of Damien’s comment, that I did meet a few Dr. Sciences in PHARMA and some of them rose to the top of the heap - upper management - to my amazement.
In agreement with Shane Ellison, I don’t believe in the pill mentality promoted by PHARMA. I also think that alternative medicine has a lot to offer. I have gained from acupuncture, whilst experiencing adverse and unhelpful responses to drugs from the ‘Pharmaceutical Giants.’ But I continue to gain a great deal from some of their drugs, such as my current hypertension medicine.
My question is, “How does one have a reasoned debate around such issues without creating unnecessary animosity or spending an inordinate amount of time attempting to research the issues?”
I guess I will have to buy Shane Ellison’s book and read it, but I don’t want to, which I guess means that I should, so I will. Until then I reserve further judgment on this man and his claims!
These issues are relevant to my blog on safe exercise for better health, as are nutrition, training, meditation, spirituality and so forth. The best example I have in my life of poor guidance from a physician was his insistence that I take an anti-inflammatory drug combined with Valium (a PHARMA cocktail) for stress-induced jaw pain, which I refused. The stress was due to personal issues, work challenges, interrupted sleep and a heavy training schedule. I chose meditation and a short vacation, instead of drugs, which solved the problem rapidly and more safely. So was this doctor (MD) a ‘quack,’ misguided by PHARMA indoctrination, or fearful of litigation if my condition worsened? Generally my medical guidance from these people has been solid. When it comes to alternative, nutritional medication, I tried quite a few, including pounds of beetroot, to no avail for my AAA stent-induced hypertension, but the PHARMA drug Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) works wonders, as have antibiotics for walking pneumonia and anesthetics for surgery.
The bottom line is that it is your body and you get to decide who to believe and which course to follow. Comments from Shane Ellison supporters with meaningful data, or anyone else for that matter, would be much appreciated.
-k @FitOldDog
PS I appreciate Damien’s comment, as this prompts potentially educational debate and causes me to reflect on my approach to life - but not to sleep, which I should be able to do now, having done my best to address Damien’s comment more politely and appropriately.
Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.
Copyright © 2010 Kevin T. Morgan aka FitOldDog, Old Dogs in Training, LLC.
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Seeking reasoned debate is not always easy, not always possible.
It is easy to select a fact, a bad act and then say “see that proves it you are wicked”.
For example: As an Englishman I see no need to apologise for the slave trade. The longest campaign in Royal Navy history was the “West Africa Station” It lasted from 1805 t0 the outbreak of the American Civil War. It was an attempt to blockade the Atlantic to stop the slave trade. It was an all volunteer effort and thousands of seaman died in the effort. Meanwhile Baltimore built fast ships to bust the blockade.
I respect the effort of the Royal Navy and refuse to apologise for a trade that Britain tried to stop whilst Americans (North and South) sought to continue.
I cannot see why that the wickedness of past generations or other people in the present one can be passed on to others (together with denounciations) who are free from guilt. Similarly I see no need for living Baltimore ship wrights to apologise for the past errors of other people. That is plain silly.
I also know that the clerk in the local branch of Barclays Bank did not fix Libor Rates. Whilst it is appropriate to criticise Barclays there is no just cause to shout at a local bank clerk.
That is exactly how I felt, like the Barclay’s bank clerk! Perfect analogy to explain my initial emotional response to the comment. Much appreciated. OK! Back on the road south. -kevin