Brian Gustin wrote:
> I find it odd that Ms. Barreda finds the word “Patient” offensive but has no
> sensitivity to calling her web site “Cripworld” . Nuff said, now drop it!
>
I don’t think so Brian. I don’t know if this is your first time at the Rodeo and
I don’t really care but, if you intend to “Bust” on Kimberley Barreda, I suggest
you consider another field of endeavor. Ours is a small community and Ms.
Barreda has done much for those in it. Her Cripworld site has been a haven and a
source of information for people with a variety of disabilities.
She paid the terrible cost to be a member of the club and she will remain a
member for the rest of her life. She is also welcome to refer to me, an amputee,
in any manner she chooses. I take no offense. In fact, I cherish the limited
relationship we have dearly. She has earned my respect and her posts are quite
enlightening.
You may refer to yourself as a professional, certified Prosthetist, Tradesman,
Technician or Mechanic. It really doesn’t matter because I have a feeling that
sooner or later, we amputees are going to refer to you as the Defendant. Times
are changing. Doctors are forming Trade Unions. I question anyone who feels the
need to wave their diploma beneath my nose or stand behind pomp and circumstance
in a vain attempt to gain my trust.
The older I get, the more suspicious I am of anyone who receives a check from an
insurance company. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t matter if you’re a
Surgeon, GP, MD, DO, CP, BMOC or whatever. You’re all just hired help. The fact
that some of you are so far superior to others in your field speaks for the need
of regulation and certification. I don’t consider myself to be anyone’s
patient. Especially in an environment where an entire medical industry can be
paid for attempts and failures.
When you start refusing payment on legs that don’t fit and arms that don’t work,
then, call yourself a professional but so long as you accept payment for Test’s
that are inconclusive, Procedures that are ineffective, Prosthetics that don’t
fit or work properly, You can consider yourself just another drone in the
medical hive and the flow of Honey will soon be running dry.
Joe Alessi
