Simon Singh is a prolific columnist and science writer. He’s also being sued by the British Chiropractic Association because they’re accusing him of libel for the way he described them and their claims. Apparently, people actually going to them for treatment isn’t sufficient validation, the opposition must be squelched. I’d prefer to make the opposition look an idiot and swallow their own words, pursuing legal action would make it feel like I couldn’t stand on my own merits.
I’m uncomfortable with the idea of suing someone for criticism, and frankly for outright lying, whether they were or not. Why can’t you just go up to them and announce those golden words- “say that to my face, sunshine!” ?
And, why, in the name of Unholy Cthulu can’t we simply write a retort and cite our evidence or point of view? The justice system wasn’t created to stifle debate and criticism, at least, I bloody hope it wasn’t. In the dawning light of the 21st century, one would hope that the justice system, no matter what its roots, would be preoccupied with more significant matters and (I can dream) that it wouldn’t cost a penny to pursue justice of all things.
Shouldn’t justice, along with freedom of expression, actually be free? In the face of modern civilisation, when we should be striving for enlightenment, peace and an end to environmental damage and world poverty, shouldn’t we be more concerned with such higher ideals, fielding ideas and action on such seemingly insurmountable problems rather than fielding lawyers on other people whose opinions we happen to disagree with? I’ve seen plenty of libel cases spring up in the headlines over the years and the sheer amount of money involved, possibly enough to feed a small town for a decade or so, makes my thrift gland hurt.
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Filed under: Medical Science, Politics
