Yes, I hang out at other places far more often then here. Hey, I'm just getting started (he says after 3 months).
So, I asked Dr. Tara Smith if she had any skepticism towards the current HIV paradigm. You may recall that Dr. Smith is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at University of Iowa.
Here's the exchange:
HB: Ok, Tara, prove me wrong:
1. Are you skeptical of any aspect of the current HIV=>AIDS paradigm?
2. If so, What
TS: Sure, I'm skeptical of all of it. Does HIV really cause AIDS? Does it work alone? Are there other factors necessary? Is our treatment strategy the best method to go currently? Is advising all HIV+ people to take drugs optimal, or should some kind of screening--such as for the CCR5 delta 32 mutation--be provided first? I've mentioned all this on here previously, Hank. Despite what you say, my mind certainly is open to other alternatives--but as I've mentioned, show me the evidence.
Without falling out of my chair, madly impressed with this young lady (Don't get cozy there, Hank, you old goat! -- Mrs. Barnes), I must say -- you could not provide a better, scientific answer than what she did.
To paraphrase, Yes skepticism, Yes open mind, Yes show-me-the-evidence.
That's my response to every single scientific issue -- so it must be right:)
Based on this, we have reached detente, and I have pledged to behave on her site. The challenge is navigating the anonymous, hordes of 25-year old dorks, who adore her and try to distract me, with some of the most inane, pseudo-scientific trivial claptrap I've seen in 30 -35 years. Some of these kids, really oughta have gone to law school, not med school. Some are not even kids, but ex-hippies or something, -- a loose collection of has-beens, never-wuzes, and never will bes, but maybe that's too harsh.
Anyway, Dr. Smith has been professional and patient, and if she implements her viewpoint expressed above and fairly applies it to the virus-cancer issue and the virus-T4 cell issue, I really think that is all one can ask.
Oh yeah, some dork suggested that I would "quote mine" Dr. Smith, now. For all who read this, Dr. Smith believes that HIV kills T4-cells, in some manner unexplained, which interrupts normal immune function, leading to 1 of 29 diseases.
Hankenstein! What is up? I agree with this post 100%. I'm kind of surprised that Doc Smith would have said it quite the way she did. You don't need to quote mine, taken in full context it could get her in trouble with some people and you have to give her props for that.
Also, agree about the sycophants over there. We don't need to name names, because it's quite clear and we both know who they are (all though I know you have taken a lot more abuse from them than I. Probably only because I don't spend much time there).
What STRIKES ME about them is that they are supposedly interested in science, but are so close-minded. Duesberg is a brilliant man - far more brilliant than any of them or any of us. He knows the science that we are squabbling over. How can you make a pariah out of a guy like that, just because he has a contrarian viewpoint? Why would you not embrace his challenges, encourage his work, join him in it? It's beyond me.
Posted by: John | March 29, 2006 at 02:41 PM
John,
Yeah, the funny thing is that Duesberg may be off on a couple of matters. For example, it's still unclear what the presence of anti-bodies means in a person, particularly an asymptomatic person.
Does it mean, all is well, and the virus is neutralized? or
Does it mean, your body's immune system has been overstimulated by various foreign microbes/toxins?
That stated, Duesberg is the Michael Jordan of biochemistry, and these little obnoxious twits, are low-ranking brick-layers from Cal, or God forbid, USC, who greatly outnumber him and constantly change the rules to thwart him.
Hank
Posted by: Hank | March 29, 2006 at 08:09 PM
"That stated, Duesberg is the Michael Jordan of biochemistry, and these little obnoxious twits, are low-ranking brick-layers from Cal, or God forbid, USC, who greatly outnumber him and constantly change the rules to thwart him".
Hank, as you may well have guessed by now, based on my obvious sorely lacking medical knowledge - you have hit on my primary concern in all of this.
Look, if HIV causes AIDS, that's ok with me! Glad you folks figured it out and can give some hope to a lot of suffering people! But there are so many current anomalies and you have a great mind, like Duesberg, who has a different way of seeing what's going on. Maybe he's completely wrong. THAT'S OK! Give him his full run, let him explore whatever aspects of this disease that he finds 'curious', fund his work, join him in it, stop reducing his fine career to rubble, etc.
The fact that this goes on as it does can only make an unknowledgeable outsider like myself WONDER - what the "F" is really happening here?
Posted by: John | March 30, 2006 at 01:16 PM
JB,
You oughta read the Kary Mullis book -- I'll bet you love it.
In fact, henceforth, I proclaim that the official tome of Barnes-Ville is "Dancing Naked in the Minefield" by Dr. Kary Mullis.
And, if any of you bastards don't like it, to hell with ya!
Hank Barnes
Posted by: Hank | March 30, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Oops!
"Dancing Naked in the MIND Field"
All these years, and I didn't even recognize the pun.......
Hank "Bonehead" Barnes
Posted by: Hank Barnes | March 30, 2006 at 04:05 PM