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Originally Posted by DaveinGermany
I think you'll find they aren't saying it'll cure "X Y & Z" more that it is an alternative to try when conventional methods don't seem to be working. secondly you can't claim something is guarenteed "to cure" unless it has gone through extensive tests & trials, so I don't believe the companies are saying this.
I'll give you the boots comment because if you're going to protest of course you'll go where you get the maximum attention. One thing in Boots favour though as opposed to some other Medical/Chemist shop chains is, I believe non of their testing of products are done on animals( I stand to be corrected should this not be true). So maybe a more disreputable company would've been better to demonstrate outside.
As to the Academics trying to "prove an Anti-Capitalist point" this I fear is a complete misnomer The Word Academic defines some one who has gone through Schooling / Uni / College gaining qualifications (presumably & at no small cost to the individuals family !) along their way so they can get a better job at the end of it all with "Better Pay" now there's a true anti capitalist ideal.
Yes I'll give you that as well, fair play for people who have the strength of belief strong enough to take them onto the streets to protest their feelings, but I'm sure the police were happy to give up their weekends with their families to make sure no one came to harm, due to the extra control required to ensure a peaceable demonstration & the flustered mums with small kids being even more stressed by being harangued for going into Boots to buy medicines for little Joihnny & Janeys cold .... yes have a nice Weekend !
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I was using the word 'Academic' in reference to those who spend their lives researching for journals, books and conferences on specific topics, such as professors, lecturers or just full time researchers. Not just anyone with an education. I don't consider myself an 'Academic' and sadly, it costs me a hell of a lot of money so I don't consider it a capitalist thing either.
I personally take zero medicine accepted Ibuprofen for muscle ache. I don't believe that things like cough medicines and whatever else is used on too regular a basis actually does anyone any good, so I'm fortunate enough to not have to buy into any market, whether it be conventional or alternative medicine.
I don't think the protesters could have picked a better location personally and the whole point is to disrupt people who are shopping so then they actually see the effects (or lack of, rather) of what they are doing. There is no point picking a location that isn't going to get the attention of the people they are trying to prove a point to.
As for animal testing, it has been proven that the lives of the average person is extended by 20+ years thanks to medicines and other aids being tested on animals, so I'm only against it for cosmetic purposes personally. They can test whatever medicines they like on animals for all I care, providing it follows guidelines for animal welfare and doesn't cause unnecessary harm. Humans are tested on eventually so it's not such a massive deal for me.
As for police resources, well it is the government who decides whether these things require police attendance in the first place. I've been to small demonstrations that haven't had the police there. It's all just a matter of opinion on that issue. I agree that if it hadn't been well researched and there had been a health problem then that would be a waste of NHS resources though, but then there are wastes of NHS resources every night with people getting ridiculously drunk beyond what is necessary if you enjoy alcohol consumption. I'd rather people were trying to make the world better through their protest and risk a waste of resources than getting stupidly drunk and making no point and wasting the same, actually more resources.
So my opinion doesn't really change, though your points are valid. I've nothing against alternatives being available, but they should be regulated and be proven to actually have a real affect, especially if they are going to cost large amounts of money and be available straight off the shelf.