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Issue 74 Winter 2007/8
Editorial by Simon Best
As 2008 progresses under the cloud of
worldwide financial turmoil, there is a palpable sense that a
day of reckoning is approaching on other fronts also. This perception
is mirrored in this edition which highlights issues of corruption,
integrity and honouring the spirit.
Endemic corruption that drives much
of the deforestation activities worldwide, especially in Indonesia,
is amply exposed in Ken Finn's disturbing article, which underlines
how desperate the situation now is, particularly in the way it
is impacting on climate change. But he also emphasizes how much
we are all, wittingly or not, complicit in the destruction by
our unquestioning consumerism, an addiction we need to break
if we are to help those whose land and sacred forest is being
laid waste every day.
Corruption and suppression of evidence
are the themes that emerge again and again from the pages of
Dr Devra Davis' magnum opus, The Secret History of the War on
Cancer, perhaps the most important book on the subject yet written.
Some 20 years in the writing, it chronicles in chilling detail
the systematic attempts -- and successes -- by industry, aided
and abetted by a pliant officialdom, government policy and compliant
researchers, to suppress or neutralize any evidence of industrial
or environmental sources of cancer, leading to millions of potentially
avoidable deaths over the past five decades. Roger Coghill's
masterful critique expands on the involvement of British scientists,
especially those involved in his area of expertise. Davis' scandalous
revelations should not only anger every reader but, let us hope,
lead to real change.
A current example of such deceit in
science is revealed in the Open Letter by Dr Mae-Wan Ho, endorsed
by her co-signatories, to the British Food Journal demanding
the withdrawal of an award for a flawed article it published
concerning GM food (see Briefings). The letter demonstrates the
lengths to which some will go to enable flawed 'science' to enter
the mainstream to advance their agenda.
In welcome contrast to the above, Anne
Baring pays tribute to the life and work of the British painter,
Cecil Collins, whose centenary is celebrated this year. Not as
fully appreciated in his day as some feel he deserved, his work
will be the subject of various upcoming conferences and talks,
including a display at Tate Britain.
Equally inspiring - and extraordinary
- is Moyra Bremner's account of the ability of the American Amelia
Kinkade to communicate with animals and teach others to develop
their potential. Despite the normal skepticism at such an idea,
Amelia demonstrates that it is indeed possible to connect with
animals at a profound level and become aware of their thoughts
and feelings.
The amazing level of minerals and vitamins
in seaweed is highlighted in a summary of a much longer paper
by Dr Jane Philpott and Montse Bradford, which shows the considerable
health benefits from including this sea vegetable in your diet.
Equally, the fundamental need for good quality water is emphasized
by Alick Bartholomew in his article on Viktor Schauberger's ideas
about 'Living Water'.
Caduceus flyer
Any promotion of Caduceus by readers is always appreciated and
we would be grateful if each subscriber could pass on the flyer
they receive with this issue to someone they think might like
to subscribe. We thank those who have already done so; if you
know of any centre or clinic that would be happy to display them,
please get in touch. As Melanie Reinhart underlines in her prognostications,
group support will be critical in the bumpy ride ahead as we
attempt to adjust to some uncomfortable realities and revelations
in the coming years.
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