Dears, I found the following Frederick Noronha [FN] very well scripted post a mixture of known truths, appropriate and inappropriate interpretations, figments of non-knowledge, misrepresentation and a possible attempt to either taunt or suppress Santosh Helekar.
Allow me to state again that I personally find almost all of Santosh's writings quite well researched and scientifically supported and defensible. I do expect that those, like me and FN, who are not in Santoshbab's intellectual genre, will not always understand Santoshbab. Happens! For instance, I do not understand why Santoshbab tries to correct the unsupportable views of every Con, Dona and Larry on GoaNet. To me, it is a painful process - for another 'bright spark' will come and say something really brilliant e.g. If Sardars in the UK are exempt from using helmets, why should I have to wear them in Goa? Some might believe that Frederick is smarting from criticism of his own misuse of Goanet (as in flagrant and repeated violation of GoaNet rules) and the WWW spreading of stories in which truth was admixed with obvious 'bogusities'. The added issue is the refusal of folks like Frederick to correct their errors. (Let me acknowledge in advance a well used worn cliché i.e. Doctors mistakes bury etc). Does FN acknowledge that untruths spread by journos eventually hurt the populace? Does he (at least now) accept that the (financially motivated IMHO) 'TRS Vasco da Gama disturbance' actually hurt the relationships between Catholic and Hindu Goans? Anyway ......now to the individual points in FN's message. On 3 December 2010 00:49, Frederick Noronha [FN] wrote: FN [1] Goanet has also been "used" by people with an undying faith in a science-can-do-no-wrong ideology, and their own ideology is tasteless, colourless and odorless enough to them and therefore implies a lack of ideology. jc: and by others including FN for their own purposes. - FN [2] Or by those who believe that taunting individuals with a particular point of view is the best way to diminish "scientific illiteracy" and take rationalism forward. jc: As though FN has never taunted anyone. - FN [3] The claims made below have more to do with creating straw-men and then going about demolishing the same with great ease. Naturally. jc: another cliché - FN [4] To be fair, I think what has often been argued on Goanet is not what Helekar claims, but the following: [5] 1. That not everything is necessarily better off in post-colonial times, and a few things have actually deteriorated for the worse since. jc: Where has Santoshbab claimed the above? - FN [5] 2. That life expectancies were far lower, on average, in earlier times (whether colonial or not, including in the non-colonised world), but some people did live healthier lives then too. Also, the diseases of affluence, which have since crept in and turned widespread today, were restricted to a tiny section then. jc: On what basis is FN making the above argument? There are, I submit, multiple factors involved. Has FN studied them enough to make a judgment? - F [5] 3. That "scientific progress" and "modern scientific medicine" is not the only factor to be credited with improving human lives. That even the "progress" of science and medicine has come accompanied with some gross errors, the misuse and abuse of science and technology (for purposes like war, etc) and the like. jc: Abuse and Misuse having been accepted, Who has claimed the sole credit for improving human lives? - FN [5] 4.(a) That there could be alternative routes to healing, which may well work in some cases, and still is the only or main option for a large number of people in the planet -- for reasons of economics, preference, tradition, access, whatever. jc: There surely could be BUT ...what exactly is Santoshbab suggesting and the 'alternativos' refusing to submit to? Does FN believe in the Rule of Law? Does he believe that the State has a right to impose legal guidelines which require that ALL medications which are given to the citizens of the State, be tested? Accepting that Indian is wrought with adulteration, fraud, inducement etc in the health industry and profession, does it justify the turning off .....of the Rule of Law? Haven't modern medicines come from plants after testing and purification? What is Frederick Noronha saying: Do not test the medicines....just allow folks to prescribe bush or arsenic? http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091018/arts/arts5.html - FN [5] 4 (b) These can neither be wished away, nor should people who opt for these be blocked from accessing the same using the excuses and labels like "ncient superstitions, faith-based nostrums, religious rituals and paranormal practices". jc: Education and Information isn't "just wishing away". Individual adults have a right to consume what they wish, even Methylated Spirits and Hashish. The State has a duty to protect its citizens. Enough said excuse any typos ....scripted at one go jc
