Hi Phil,
I stumbled upon an old clip this morning of The China Syndrome and couldn’t help but draw similarities between the subject of the movie and vapers’ endless fight for the truth to be told.
Now, before you think the final marble has slipped from my head, bear with me.
Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon) knew the truth about the power plant and was hushed by the large corporation which owned it because…money. Hmm, there’s a surprise. When the power plant shows signs of possible devastating malfunctions, the character, Jack Godell, in an act of desperation, attempts to take over the control room to remedy the situation. In an effort to cover up/halt Godell leaking the problem, the SWAT teams are called in and he is fatally shot and therefore silenced.
With the media swarming outside the power plant, searching for answers (remember investigative journalism?)the corporate big shots are able to paint Jack Godell as a lunatic, until his best friend breaks down and spews the truth on live tv – that Jack was not a lunatic but an intelligent man who was trying to do the right thing. The character knew he would not be listened to.
The never ending lies swirling globally about vaping, the knowledge that the aim to destroy the industry is truly money driven, that politicians are interested only in re-election and the healthcare system isn’t about health – the fight to keep the industry alive seems insurmountable. Like David and Goliath.
I feel like Jack Godell.
My voice seems a mere whisper when compared to the power and voice our ignorant/criminal politicians, the ratings-focussed media and monied corporations hold.
When will we be heard?
Will we be heard?
Ever have a dream where you’re struggling to scream for help but nothing comes out? And you awaken because you hear your own voice squeaking desperately? That’s how I feel. I’m sure I’m not alone.
My hope is that vapers don’t end up like Jack Godell, a victim of corruption, an unheard voice. That at some point in the near future the science and our voices will be heard. Until then, I’ll get angry, stomp my feet (in the privacy of my home)and won’t back down. It’s exhausting and at times feels hopeless but I can’t give up the right to save my health.
After all, David beat Goliath.
I can assure you I’m not crazy, Phil, just mad 😉
Thank you for listening, I do appreciate it.
Cheers,
Janine – 62 yr old former smoker (40+ years). Post menopausal aka, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.” (Major movie references today)
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