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Darwin Hawkins wrote > What ever it takes as long as >it is moral and legal. The end does justify the means. > >Something I have never understood is the tendency of people to hide their >afflictions. Of what possible benefit is that? I can understand in terms of >an employment situation, etc., but mostly I feel we might as well face >reality and get on with life. This is not the first time this subject has been discussed. The last time was 18 months ago when an extremely strident debate was sparked by, if memory serves, Billy Graham's perceived reluctance to place a greater emphases on PD in his public life. It is wonderful to see the more restrained, thoughtful, compassionate and even humorous approach (I thought it was funny Stephen) being taken in response to the announcement that Michael J Fox is indeed one of us (dare I say "we happy few, we band of brothers"/sisters). A posting I made at the time relates to many of the issues raised again this time round. Its tone, particularly in the closing paragraph is stronger than the current discussion warrants and I apologise for that in advance, but despite that I am sending it again because I feel the points it makes are still valid - particularly if Mr Fox chooses not to make PD a prominent part of his future public life. Dennis. originally posted, 7th May 1997. I have no objection to WKPWP (Well Known PWP) being approached in a reasonable manner and asked to use their high profile to raise awareness of PD issues. The approach, to have any credibility, should be made under the auspices of a recognised, representative PD organisation. If after their best endeavours, the WKPWP chooses to remain on the sidelines, then that decision should be respected. As we all know, things change, there is no reason not to raise the issue again after a suitable period. We can play the game of speculating as to the motives behind a WKPWP's decision not to involve themselves, we can speak of shame, guilt and fear. We know about them because we have all been there ourselves. Speaking only for myself - I found it hard enough to come to terms with PD, and my public profile is non existent. It took me years to reach a stage where I and my community found that wonderful balance between rejection (which manifests as being ignored or shunned) and being pitied. Those of us who have worked through to this balance, know the joy of dealing with people who are aware of our problems, concerned for our welfare, and prepared to give us the space to retain our self-respect. Can you imagine trying to achieve that when your community comprises the world at large. How do you deal with a community which includes a media which has no qualms about using your private pain to boost ratings, which includes thousands if not millions of people ready to smoother you with their pity, ** which includes people like us, fellow sufferers, more concerned with using your name for 'the cause' then offering the support you desperately need.** (1998 note - the line between the **'s does not apply to the current discussion but is left in for continuities sake) Please don't anybody tell me that "the cause" justifies the tactic. Although we are a community we still suffer PD individually-when the cure comes we will be cured as individuals. Can we, in all conscience, as individuals, demand that other individuals sacrifice themselves for us. Dennis +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Dennis Greene 49/onset 32 /dx 37 "It is better to be a crystal and be broken, Than to be a perfect tile upon the housetop." [log in to unmask] http://members.networx.net.au/~dennisg/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++