The New Zealand Chiropractors Association is threatening to sue the New Zealand Medical Journal over an article that was critical of chiropractors written by David Colquhoun. I’ve picked up on this via Ben Goldacre’s Bad Science blog. It’s a stupid situation that highlights a few important things. Firstly the problem with lawyers being used to silence free speech. In this case the New Zealand Medical Journal is likely equipped to protect itself. But there have been many examples of less well equipped entities caving in to legal threats because of the costs involved with fighting spurious litigation. I think it’s typical of many groups and individuals with commercial interests attempting to shut down dissent on the Internet. You don’t need secret police to shut people up – just a good lawyer.
Secondly, in my opinion, this kind of attitude towards critics is endemic among proponents of alternative medicine. Academics, real academics, in my experience, are an argumentative bunch. I’ve sat in a room where debates have nearly come to blows. But that’s acceptable. Criticism – moreover the ability to rebut criticism – is considered a good thing. Ph.Ds are tough. I suspect the reason why many alternative medicine proponents are disproportionately sensitive to criticism is the lack of a solid evidence base. Without evidence all there is is rhetoric, and opinion. Leading to frustration when confronted with evidence. If a child could sue their parents for smashing their belief in Santa Claus they probably would.
Thirdly, and this, genuinely, has fuck-all to do with chiropractors in New Zealand, Flight of The Conchords is very good. Particularly Murray. Other than lamb, rugby, and penguins Flight of The Conhords is forever linked with New Zealand in my mind. G’day mates*. I forgive you for Zane Lowe.
Watch this video to see Murray being cheered up.
* That’s a joke, in case you’re a bit dim.
Tags: banter, comedy, FFS, New Zealand
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