A new film has been brought to my attention. It’s called The Idiot Cycle and two free screenings are being held in York and Cambridge to coincide with World Cancer Day.
From what I can see, the film tells some pretty disturbing facts about cancer and the chemical industry. Cancer is a very profitable disease and sinisterly most of the large chemical companies also have huge business involvements in cancer treatments. I’m pretty sure it’s not because they care. When the chemical industry produces phenomenal amounts of carcinogenic pollutants and then profits from drugs used to treat cancers it’s hard not to be cynical. In fact it’s glaringly obvious that yet again big industry is not only profiting from misery but is most probably helping to cause the misery in order to profit from it.
It has now been scientifically demonstrated that there is indeed a link between chemical products and the appearance of diseases, such as cancers, infertility, degenerative diseases of the central nervous system and allergies.CPME – Standing Committee of European Doctors, 2005
There is little direct evidence of widespread ill health or ecosystem damage by the use of man-made chemicals. Alan Perroy, Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council, in a 2001 letter to European Members of Parliament.
Medical experts can see the link between chemicals and cancer but proving it means taking on the legal might of the industry giants so this film will hopefully expose some of the things that the industry would rather you didn’t know.
Posted by Jose on January 30, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Amen.About time, don’t you think, but I’m afraid the world would prefer ignoring to rebelling against being poisoned while they are not affected. When I hear the word “solidarity” I don’t know whether to cry or to laugh.
The swine flu comes to my mind.
Posted by Earthpal on January 30, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Ah dear Jose. Hope you are well.
It’s a strange old world isn’t it. If it doesn’t directly affect us, we turn a blind eye but most of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another. It’s a dreadful illness that brings pain and anguish to all involved and I’m sure the big corporate bosses will have had loved ones affected by the disease. How they sleep at nights knowing what they’re doing is beyond me.
Posted by Jose on January 31, 2011 at 10:48 am
I remember once somebody told me that Corporations (he belonged to one) did not have a soul. It’s true, it seems it’s easier if the responsibility is shared by many.
Am alright, thank you, you?
Posted by ders on January 31, 2011 at 1:58 am
TURN A BLIND EYE? FFS, never a sorry. move on.
Posted by Earthpal on February 3, 2011 at 12:35 pm
What have I got to be sorry for ders?
Posted by zhisou on February 26, 2011 at 2:43 pm
It is shocking that the director of European Chemical Industry doesn’t see a problem with the European chemical industry. I am sure he has no bias.
Posted by Earthpal on March 7, 2011 at 5:28 pm
No, I’m sure he’s not biased at all Zeddie, hmm.
How are you MrZ? Good to hear from you.
Posted by zhisou on March 11, 2011 at 5:36 pm
I am well EP, watching with horror at the goings on in Libya. I so hope the rebels win.
Posted by Earthpal on March 13, 2011 at 10:38 am
It’s not looking good Zeddie is it.
Posted by Mysoul on March 6, 2011 at 5:03 pm
When Profits take precedence over ethics, this is a common syndrome.
Its been a while since I was here and when I got here I realize you havent been here either…Hoping all is well with you.
Posted by Earthpal on March 7, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Hey Mysoul. Good to hear from you. I’ve been neglecting this place. I keep meaning to catch up with things but life gets in the way. Lol.
You’re sadly right. Profit dominates ethics every time.
Posted by ejenne on March 12, 2011 at 3:17 am
Its very hard for the ordinary person to get a handle on the situation. Many of us have personal experiences of friends and family or selves who have or have had cancer. It seems as though more people do recover than in the past. Yet, there are many problems with our dependencies on big companies. We have “milk pricing wars” started by Coles’ irresponsible grab for the market atm.
Margret Atwood’s ‘Oryx and Crake’ springs to mind – societies in compounds segregating those that support the companies and those that do not.
Posted by Earthpal on March 13, 2011 at 10:53 am
Hey Jenny! Delighted to hear from you.
I’d forgotten about Oryx and Crake. Yes, it’s a good comparison and as grim as it is, it’s an apt parable.
Posted by Jose on March 13, 2011 at 10:45 am
Another example of greedy craziness comes up in Japan with the nuclear reactors exploding and causing havoc among the population after the dreadful earthquake and tsunami.
When will they – those who are at the origin of it all – understand that Nature must be pampered and cease using all these means and sources of energy?
Posted by Earthpal on March 13, 2011 at 11:02 am
Yes, this is the thing Jose. We are utterly powerless against the acts of nature and the sooner we start to try to live with nature instead of dominate it, the richer we will be.
Posted by VallyVipassana on May 11, 2011 at 7:46 am
Such a hard thing to realize. Cancer and life threatening illnesses related to these chemicals have a HUGE impact on my life. God has taken too many tired souls due to disease.
I like your Blog [:
-Hannah
Posted by Earthpal on May 11, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Hi Hannah, thank you for your kind words.
Sadly, there are many who think nothing of making money out of other people’s illness.