Hope Among the Ruthless.

There's something starkly unpleasant, something just plain wrong, about those who profit from the hopes of the sick and dying. That said there's a begrudged ingenuity at work. A fascinating cleverness on display in the way modern medicine shows weave their magic and navigate the system that's supposed to protect their marks.


Thug muscle, on the other hand, has always been brutish, petty, and humorless. Times do not change.

"I posted the blog so that patients, their friends and families would be aware of the whole story about [Stanislaw] Burzynski and his unproven therapy. I want them to be aware that the treatment seems to be in a constant cycle of trials generating unpublished results. As Dr Howard Ozer, director of the Allegheny Cancer Center in Philadelphia, said – it is scientific nonsense." - Rhys Morgan

Further reading about Stanislaw Burzynski's patent medicine saga:

• Threats against critics who voice legitimate concerns.
• If after decades you have no proven results, circle the wagons, threaten your critics.
• The False Hope of the Burzynski Clinic.
• FDA warns the clinic that even minimal research criteria are not being met (2009)
• Side note: I have strong doubts as to whether the FDA has the best interests of the public at heart and i do suspect that "Big Pharma" has a stronger role in shaping our current society then is admitted. But I do know that science based research criteria, trials, and the ethical treatment of subjects are vital to any "cure."
• Accessible Cancer Research UK write up of the situation.
•  Quackwatch overview.

Well this is a new strategy....

I guess this is what happens when appealing to greed and deep rooted feelings of cultural superiority no longer hook in the fish. Now it's time to appeal to patriotism, greed, and deep rooted feelings of cultural superiority!

From: Sgt Perry Rice sgtperryrice48@yahoo.com.ph

Dear Friend I am in the Engineering military unit here in Ba'qubah in Iraq, we have some amount of funds that we want to move out of the country. we need your help to receive this funds. Please i know you are most suitable for this opportunity.You will be entitled to 30 percent for your help.Waiting for your urgent response via my private email:sgtperryrice48@yahoo.com.ph

Come to think of it the story held within this short spam nugget is not that new. There are many fascinating stories of "soldiers" returning from past wars and fleecing the occasional mark by way of wide eyed tales of gold and riches. Treasure confiscated and hidden from the enemy by our brave heroic lad. Treasure just waiting to be brought back home...

Dear sir, of course I will gladly partake of my windfall! If only you would be so keen as to fund my expedition?

Unknown (Tineye.com is of no help here :(