Some of you are probably aware that my most recent article about Jack Layton’s final letter to Canadians came under serious attack – both in the comments on my blog (which I personally approved and published) as well as on a facebook group that I was not informed of and essentially found by luck.
Fight or Flight?
I must admit that I was initially shocked and hurt by this. I was accused of using Mr. Layton’s death as a way to make money, seeing myself as the second coming (of what I am not sure), and there was even a veiled threat to report me to my licensing board with a link to public complaints.
To be honest, these polarized (Stage 2) comments forced me to take a step back and ask myself if I crossed a line. I reread my post multiple times to be sure. I asked my friends and colleagues what they thought. Upon review I discovered that what I was accused of was not present in my text (interesting coming from a group of “critical thinkers,” by their own definition) but assumptions about what my intent and personal thoughts were that simply were not true. I would also like to thank my friends and colleagues for reviewing and commenting on my article and encouraging me that my message was important, respectful and necessary.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
After a couple of days passed – along with my desire to defend myself and intellectually destroy my naysayers – I came to a new realization. Firstly, I realized that I had a fair bit of respect for these people. Yes, I disagree wholeheartedly with their view of health and was frankly offended at the way they conducted themselves in criticizing me. On the other hand, these are people who obviously passionately care about health and the health of others. I can appreciate and relate to this in spite of our differences in opinion.
I also have tremendous respect for the lady who publicly responded to my post online (less so for the anonymous person who posted my articles in a facebook group without notifying me). It takes guts to put yourself out there and she did so bravely.
I Like to be Liked … But not That Much!
My other realization is how important it is that I continue to publish this blog. I like to be liked and abhor being criticized, yet the viciousness of these comments gave me the conviction to continue writing if only my message gets out to one person who would otherwise never hear it. Sometimes an opponent is just what we need to step up our game.
In my opinion, the way we are going about health care today is ineffective at best (ironically, Bob Rae agrees with me on that one). A change in approach is needed to prevent massive human suffering and alter the path we are currently on. This message has nothing to do with my practice, NSA or any other intervention – it has to do with us changing our ways as individuals and as a society.
Pressin’ On
Nobody has to agree with me – I really don’t care. My intent and task with this blog is to inspire whoever is ready to change that there is a different way and a future brighter than we have been told is possible.
It is for that reason I will be pressing on. Feel free to challenge me. I will welcome it and publish anything that is not obscene. For those who have challenged me, I sincerely respect you and thank you for strengthening my resolve.
Interestingly, we are currently changing our blog and website and some of you may not be able to leave comments. We will rectify this ASAP!