JGeropoulas
The Living Force
The following article (http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards2.htm) showcases the psychopathic processes that descended upon a researcher in order to suppress his findings. It is a good case-study of what goes on systematically in this STS world every day.
(NOTE: My comments are in [brackets], and my emphasis is in bold)
(NOTE: My comments are in [brackets], and my emphasis is in bold)
…Hans Hertel of Switzerland [working with Bernard H. Blanc of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the University Institute for Biochemistry] was the first scientist to conceive of and carry out a quality study on the effects of microwaved nutrients on the blood and physiology of human beings. This small but well-controlled study pointed the firm finger at a degenerative force of microwave ovens and the food produced in them.
As soon as Hertel and Blanc announced their results, the hammer of authority slammed down on them. A powerful trade organization, the Swiss Association of Dealers for Electroapparatuses for Households and Industry (FEA) struck swiftly. They forced the President of the Court of Seftigen, Kanton Bern, to issue a 'gag order' against Hertel and Blanc.
The attack was so ferocious that Blanc quickly recanted his support-but it was too late. He had already put into writing his views on the validity of the studies where he concurred with the opinion that microwaved food caused the blood abnormalities.
Hertel stood his ground, and today is steadfastly demanding his rights to a trial. Preliminary hearings on the matter have been appealed to higher courts, and it's quite obvious the powers that be do not want a 'show trial' to erupt on this issue. The preliminary hearing for the FEA's complaint affirmed the following "dangers" [ -- to their profits, no doubt!]:
In March 1993, the court handed down this decision based upon the complaint of the FEA trade association [the "plaintiff"]:* Request from the plaintiff (FEA) to prohibit the defendant (Dr Ing. Hans Hertel) from declaring that food prepared in the microwave oven shall be dangerous to health and lead to changes in the blood of consumers, giving reference to pathologic troubles as also indicative for the beginning of a cancerous process. The defendant shall be prohibited from repeating such a statement in publications and in public talks by punishment laid down in the law.
* The passive legitimacy of the defendant is given by the fact that he is the author of the polemic [published study] in question, especially since the present new and revised law allows to exclude the necessity of a competitive situation, therefore delinquents may also be persons who are not co-competitors, but may damage the competing position of others by mere declarations. Apparently, Swiss corporations have lobbied in a law that nails "delinquents" who disparage products and might do damage to commerce by such remarks. So far, the US Constitution still preserves freedom of the press.
* It is not considered of importance whether or not the polemic of the defendant meets the approval of the public, because all that is necessary is that a possibility exists that such a statement could find approval with people not being experts themselves. Basically, the defendant has the right to defend himself against such accusations. This right, however, must be deferred in cases of pressing danger with regard to impairing the rights of the plaintiff.
If you cannot imagine this kind of decision coming from a court in the United States, you have not been paying attention to the advances of administrative law.* On grounds of this pending request of the plaintiff, the court arrives at the conclusion that because of special presuppositions as in this case, a definite disadvantage for the plaintiff does exist, which may not easily be repaired, and therefore must be considered to be of immediate danger. The case thus warrants the request of the plaintiff to be justified, even without hearing the defendant.
* Also, because it is not known when the defendant will bring further statements into the public. The judge is also of the opinion that because the publications are made up to appear as scientific, and therefore especially reliable-looking, they may cause additional bad disadvantages.
[In other words, because Hertel's findings were “scientific" which can empower people, it could cause "disadvantages" for psychopathic businessmen. To fully appreciate the absurdity of charges that this research was "unscientific," read a detailed description of it here in another post http://www.cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=5930.msg40687#msg40687].
It must be added that there does obviously not exist a just reason for this publication because there is no public interest for pseudo-scientific unproved declarations. Finally, these ordered measures do not prove to be disproportionate… [and what would be "disproportionate," cutting out Hertel's tongue to prevent him from sharing life-saving findings from his own private scientific research?]
* The defendant is prohibited, under punishment of up to F5,000, or up to one year in prison, to declare that food prepared in microwave ovens is dangerous to health and leads to pathologic troubles as also indicative for the beginning of a cancerous process. The plaintiff pays the costs.
(Signed) President of the Court of Seftigen Kraemer.
Hertel defied the court and has loudly demanded a fair hearing on the truth of his claims. The court has continued to delay, dodge, appeal and avoid any media-catching confrontation. As of this writing, Hans is still waiting for a hearing with media coverage-and he's still talking and publishing his findings. "They have not been able to intimidate me into silence, and I will not accept their conditions," [that's what a true "patriot" sounds like] Hertel declared. "I have appeared at large seminars in Germany, and the study results have been well-received. Also, I think the authorities are aware that scientists at Ciba-Geigy (the world's largest pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Switzerland) have vowed to support me in court."
As those powerful special interests in Switzerland who desire to sell microwave ovens by the millions continued to suppress open debate on this vital issue for modern civilisation, new microwave developments blossomed in the United States... [land of the (brain)free]
...Journalist Tom Valentine, after chasing this story, found it interesting that 'scientists' have so many 'beliefs' to express rather than proven facts. Yet facts eventually snuff out credential-based conjecture.
Yet the microwave-oven industry had only to prove that the dangerous microwaves could, indeed, be contained within the oven and not escape into the surrounding area where the radiation could do damage to people. The industry must admit that some microwaves escape even in the best-made ovens. So far, not one thought has been given by the industry to the possibility that the nutrients as well could be so altered as to be deleterious to health.
...Are we going to continue to take it from established authority, without question, on the premise that they know best?