I wish I could insert a wav file of Penn yelling "And then there's THESE ASSHOLES!!!"
I watched Network Sevens' report on a tiny wee baby that had just died from Whooping Cough, after being alerted to it via the Skeptical blogs I read. I watched with great trepidation, as being anything 'current affairs' vaccine related that's not on the ABC or SBS is usually suspect to say the least.
I was pleasantly surprised when a well presented scientifically correct piece was presented. The grieving parents were treated with the greatest respect - at least by Channel Seven. Enter the wackaloons.
The particularly appalling mouthpiece (whom I will not name and give the satisfaction of extra Google search opportunities) was a wonderful specimen of a willful woo peddler.
I have read and seen the anti vaccine movement in the US and to a lesser extent the UK, with a vaguely relieved air that such lunacy was almost unheard of in Australia. This is thanks to our 'inbuilt bullshit meter' that a commentator on someone elses' blog alluded to.
Cheeze, was I living in a fool's paradise. I have discovered we have the 'Australian Vaccine Network'. Run by an American ex-pat (of course).
Due to the outpouring of praise for their coverage (from science-based medicine fans) and howls of "we wuz robbed" (by the looneys), Channel Seven decided a forum was called for last Sunday night.
One good thing was that they wouldn't let she who cannot be named on the panel, as they only wanted people with a scientific background. Hah! Suck it AVN. The bad thing was that they let AVN 'supporters' speak at all.
I am far too tired and far to sick to write much more tonight - I have to fax off an order for my work...
Words fail me about this organisation.
Anybody who seriously thinks that homeopathic medicine can cure whooping cough is seriously uninformed.
Anyone who peddles this bullshit to 'customers', at the cost of said customers not seeking real medical advice deserves jailing.
If doctors can be sued for malpractice if they even so much as fart in a delivery suite, peddlers of woo - especially homeopathy should be subject to the same laws. You want the recognition of your 'health practices' put up with the same regulations and laws.
You want to be seen as a legitimate vaccine network - do your homework and present real science based evidence to support your views. Not discredited bullshit and rectal pulls. Do these people like knowing that they can contribute to a real body count?
I am so angry I just don't know what to do. Apart from joining some Facebook groups, I feel so helpless. When I am helpless I get angry and then depressed. I am determined to find someway to contribute to undoing any of the damage woo-peddlers do, no matter how small or insignificant.
Arse. Feck. Drink.
I needs me Panadeine Forte and a good lie down.
