Cancer and a lost opportunity

by Seán Ryan Thu Nov 24, 2005 05:44

Greetings Kathy.

Let me start by offering my empathy and solidarity to you, having had friends and family go through the same ordeal, I think I begin know how you feel.

For me the worst realisation, even worse than the news of cancer itself was, the spirit robbing fact, that waiting lists were not a service, but the lack of one. The best that could be said of them is that they are an excellent way of measuring mortality rates in cases where little or no treatment, preventative or otherwise, has been offered.

Whilst I agree with you in principle, that chemicals and other substances should be moderated and controlled as part of an EU policy (or even, dare I say it; constitution.)

Or why not go the whole hog and make some international law covering the whole planet.

But you know what?

Ultimately I believe it to be redundant.

I'm not saying this to offer you insult or to make little of your concerns.

Allow me to explain myself.

Take an example: I secretly put rat poison into a neighbour's dinner. Have I done anything wrong?

Do you see where I'm coming from?

Each and every country on the face of the planet already has legislation covering the poisoning of its citizens.

The real issue here is, and I think that ultimately you'll agree with me, is that each and every government, put their economic interests above every interest of those they supposedly represent.

Fix that problem, and the fix required for our health service is a simple one and more to the point it can be worked along a definite time line.

Beds are not really an issue within our health crisis. Personell, facilities, training facilities and trainers are the problem. It is my contention, that there are enough people in this country that have both the intellect and more importantly the need, to fix our health crisis. And that the whole problem can be solved in the time it takes to train the person who requires the most training. (Whilst I'm at it any chance you'd get them to repeal patenting laws? Afterall, one's intellectual property only remains intellectual property as long as it remains in ones head.)

Interesting way of fixing things isn't it?

Let me give another example, this time using our "transport" service which I'm sure you'll agree is as sick as our health service.

Don't privatise it, that is to take the word "Irish" out of its description.

Make it free to everyone, after developing it to sufficient levels. This would mean a lot less cars on the road, no more traffic jams and hundreds of millions of wasted man hours, a massively reduced fuel bill for the country as a whole, it would start the control and de-infestation of insurance companies, banks and others, and it would dramatically cut down on road deaths (drunk driving would become more sinister if that be possible). Think of the envoirnment, all those reduced emissions.

See what I mean? When one approaches a problem to solve it rather than capitalise on it?

I seem to have got off topic somewhat here Kathy and I apologise for that, but I believe that you understand what I mean.

It's good to see an elected official write here so often, and usually on topics that I believe your heart motivates you to, rather than any political ambition. For that you have my respect.

I wish you, and especially your friends, comfort, solace and anwsers.

I look forwards to reading more of what you have to say.

Sláinte

Seán Ryan