I sent a pointed email, basically pointing out how we in the FA community have a hard enough time being taken seriously without "credible sources" spreading ignorant misinformation such as this. And what a slap in the face this would be to Sabrina Shannon's parents if they heard it.
I've been a long time member and supporter of FAAN, but this has me very disappointed.
Amy

Has anyone contacted AllergyKids.com? She has been all over the news. I wonder if she has made a statement.

Quote:Originally posted by Luc's Mom:
[b] exactly! i was thinking even more broadly-- like some of the "go to" experts, like Sampson, Burk, Woods.. it would be great to get one of them to respond.. thoughts?
[/b]
Usually, the institutions they work for have regulations against this. They don't want their researchers involved in "political" issues. Public statements have to be approved by the institution.
I feel bad for FAAN in this situation. They are literally d***d if they do and d***d if they don't.

Quote:Originally posted by booandbrimom:
[b] Usually, the institutions they work for have regulations against this. They don't want their researchers involved in "political" issues. Public statements have to be approved by the institution. [/b]
Thats not entirely true- i'm a professor at an academic institution, and while our press office must approve any university press releases, I, as a faculty member am protected by "academic freedom"- which essentially means i am free to go on TV, speak to newspaper reporters, etc.. and say ANYTHING - EVEN if it disagree's with my institutions "party lines"..
unless their institution runs dramatically different than mine (which is a health sciences/medical school univeristy) any of these esteemed researcher/clinicians could contact MSNBC as well, write a letter, etc.. IF the wanted to.. (unless of course all three of them are testifying.. along with FAAN.. ;-)

Quote:Originally posted by Gail W:
[b] He said that the public perceives this as a frivilous suit...[/b]
Well, gee... I wonder why? Could it be because no one is standing up to say that milk allergies can be deadly?

"...because the decision had been made that [b]FAAN would not gain[/b] from becoming involved in this particular incident."
Exactly - it's about them and not bettering things for the allergic community.
Rebekah

I should clarify that I believe he meant that the collective FA community would not benefit if FAAN commented publically on her statements . . . He doesn't think that pursuing her statements would benefit 'the cause' (my words), and could actually harm the cause. I'm not sure I agree with that, but I understand it. It seems FAAN tries very hard to remain keep a neutral persona, tries very hard to work with the food industry (large companies, like Campbell's and McDonalds).

Thanks for the clarification, Gail. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
Still seems they're wimping out, though...
Rebekah

I think so too.