George Monbiot on ME/CFS, PACE, BPS and Long Covid

[hotblack]

I think quite often the people who criticise people like him for being too posh also criticise everyone involved in the climate movement because there is no 'correct' background to have as a left winger or activist

That’s not who I’m referring to at all though. That seems like a group who we wouldn’t convince or persuade anyway.

 

[BrightCandle]

What I have seen from George today is a very straightforward update on the ME/CFS scandal saga, bringing in some important points from the past for readers not yet engaged and describing in broad terms how things have changed (research) and not changed (treatment) recently. I think people will like it.

There isn't really any update to give. Things haven't changed, patients still being abused, government still isn't doing anything about it, medicine certainly isn't doing anything to change, research still horrendously underfunded. No change. -- QED.

 

[hotblack]

I think the 'posh boy' image and reality cuts right across the political spectrum in the UK

Oh for sure. And it’s more easily attacked if you express guilt rather than pride about it and if you’re seen as hypocritical by campaigning against the privilege you have benefited from rather than encouraging it.

I prefer to judge journalists and columnists by the quality of their output, not the background they were born into .

Unfortunately not everyone does. The world is unfair. We talk about it and who and how advocates on our behalf and the quality and effectiveness of their positions and messages all the time. I’ve seen messages he gives dismissed by people because of who he is and his history and activism. So I thought it would be useful for people not familiar with the background or context to have that picture. I didn’t mean to start a political debate.

I hope I’m wrong on the impact it will have here. My concerns may be misplaced.

 

[Trish]

There isn't really any update to give.

Except that perhaps despite NICE in 2021 and the goverment's delivery planning, the situation is just as bad as before.

 

[NelliePledge]

Except that perhaps despite NICE in 2021 and the goverment's delivery planning, the situation is just as bad as before.

The key point is the can kicking on situation for very severe PWME

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Except that perhaps despite NICE in 2021 and the goverment's delivery planning, the situation is just as bad as before.

The key point is the can kicking on situation for very severe PWME

That's the update George thinks is worth telling people about.

 

[MrMagoo]

Frankly at this point we need anyone with half a platform to spam out some pieces to dilute the tide of
“hello, I’m Dr X (philosophy/religion/sociology PhD) here are 7,000 published words on “how people are curing their ME” aka why I think brain training is great. This is now published medical trial evidence which can be cited in meta-reviews.”

 

[Chandelier]

Frankly at this point we need anyone with half a platform to spam out some pieces to dilute the tide of
“hello, I’m Dr X (philosophy/religion/sociology PhD) here are 7,000 published words on “how people are curing their ME” aka why I think brain training is great. This is now published medical trial evidence which can be cited in meta-reviews.”

Hahaha, what a brilliant and succinct summary of this insanity we're living through!
Thanks for the laugh!

 

[Hutan]

We have moved some posts about social media to Twitter issues

 

[TiredSam]

I was trying to explain a view that is present in the UK

I've enjoyed reading both perspectives on this thread. It does seem to be a very British discussion to be having - whether someone's a "Posh Boy" or not, and whether it matters.

 

[Sean]

Who said the great British class war is dead?

 

[hotblack]

Who said the great British class war is dead?

Class sketch - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org