Question:
Krauthammer is a journalist with the Washington Post. He recently made a comment regarding the cure for psoriasis. Or basically referred to it as being next to impossible. From my understanding, Krauthammer is a parapalegic and confined to a wheelchair.
I am not going to post a link to this article due to it's political circumstances, however, if you find the article or know about his statement, please focus on his statement and nothing else. Otherwise this is going to turn into a mess.
The way I look it at is that he basically said theres a fat chance in h#ll to find a cure for psoriasis. Is that true? this guy can't be that stupid can he? What odds do the "best derms" give for a cure to P?
Good question, misales.
Although I can't answer your question, it did give me an idea for another post in the Psoriais section.
Well I read his bio. He is a MD, hasn't practiced for sometime however and he has won a purlitzer prize. Is a cure for psoriasis a big "hoax"? In fact I think he referred to promising or even suggesting an impossible cure as promoting false hope and no better than selling snake oil. Why would such a person say this.
Brad,
This is something I have discussed with many people including dermatologists, chemists (not pharmacists, but PhD's in Chemistry), and even a geneticist.
A cure to any autoimmune disease is extremely difficult to fathom because of the nature of the disease. Think about it, to cure the disease you would have to permanently alter the immune system and perhaps other functions that are involved.
More realistic is the development of drugs that would be successful in supressing the symptoms of any autoimmune disease safely and successful in the long term.
I read the article and I think he was comparing a cure for psoriasis to Kerry's stem cell research idea that (stem-cell) would cure paralysis, which it won't. I have heard several doctors saying that the stem-cell will never cure a spinal cord injury.
I think we are just sensitive to people using the word psoriasis without thinking of the people that have the disease.
Personally, I don't think I will get to see a cure-meaning gone-never to return. Some of you younger folks might get to see that. I sure hope so.
Granny
Well I will add this, regardless of the context of the other stuff he was talking about, why would he make that comment towards PSORIASIS. How many worse uncureable diseases, a lot of them deadly. Lets see cancer, aids, you name it, tons worse, but he has to make that comment refering to PSORIASIS. He makes the comment apparently off the cuff and non-chalantly like there will never be a cure....are you kidding.
Psoriasis has been kicked around for a long time in a jokingly manner. I remember hearing of "The heartbreak of psoriasis" when I was a child. On the radio-we did not have TV. I always wondered what it was, never knowing that I would someday have it.
It was unfortunate, but as I said, we are super sensitive to that word. It would be the same with other people with any other disease that he might have used.
People that don't have it have no idea how we suffer. No on even knows that I have it unless I tell them. I have it on the bottom of my feet and on my palms. So it is easily hidden. I look healthy(except my weight) and I know people wonder why I use handicap parking or my wheelchair.
Why don't you send him an E-mail and chew him out. It would be interesting to find out if he answers you. Let us know. I just don't pay any attention to remarks like that.
Granny
Put ANY poster whose posts annoy you for ANY reason on your ignore list. I practice what I preach. My visits to the Board have become much more pleasants since I started adding those posters who annoy me on my ignore list.
Just my $0.02.
Mike
Misales, I read the article. I don't think what he said was anything to get offended about.jmo. all he said was " Kerry has a plan for curing everything except psoriais" It is only his opinion on stem cell research and how people are eager for a cure for everything from alzheimer's to paralysis. He is only saying not to have false hope. being that he is paralized I am sure he would love a cure too. nothing against stem cell research, but it does remain to be seen. I personally don't think we will see a cure in our lifetime. although, believe me, it has come a long way in treatments from years past. and there are a lot worst things to have. sometimes you just need to accept the hand you are dealt and enjoy life the best way you can. I think Christopher Reeve did it perfectly!
Brad, I gotta agree with others on this one. I've seen the article as well and in the context he said it, he's just showing his opinion of Kerry's health "plan". From what I read, he doesn't care much for Kerry and was just trying to show just how ridiculous some of the statements are that Kerry has made regarding healthcare.
He has no more knowledge of this disease as he has of interior decorating.
First, the guy has a md from harvard.
You need to leave the politics out of this.
His opinion, the way I read it .. is that it is "rediculous to suggest" that anyone can find the cure to all the diseases.....especially psoriasis. For some reason he just gave me the impression that he would let everyone slide on psoriasis, since it is uncurable. Well his statement was disappointing to me.
Well it's ok to get on Dennis Miller and stupid radio stations.
But since this guys a doc I will leave it alone.
I am not going to post a link to this article due to it's political circumstances, however, if you find the article or know about his statement, please focus on his statement and nothing else. Otherwise this is going to turn into a mess.
You know I saw the writing on the wall on my first post. Apparently I should have put this in BOLD.
Brad, I gotta agree with others on this one. I've seen the article as well and in the context he said it, he's just showing his opinion of Kerry's health "plan". From what I read, he doesn't care much for Kerry and was just trying to show just how ridiculous some of the statements are that Kerry has made regarding healthcare.
Right, he was trying to show how ridiculous Kerry and Edwards are about making a parapalegic walk again. I wasn't trying to put politics into this, just discussing the MISUSE of the word "psoriasis"
Sorry if I annoyed anyone. I think it was insensitive, also.
Granny
Some people may wonder where I came up with this article. Everyday I search the Yahoo news for "psoriasis" in my search for the latest news hoping that the magic news article will suddenly appear. Lately it has been nothing but stock market financials, arthritis meds being pulled, and that article today. Just looking for the magic and it just doesn't seem to come, all I get is that sort of crap lately.
In the meantime, cut the crap kids! Sick and tired of the personal pot stirring.
originally posted by MikeK:
Put ANY poster whose posts annoy you for ANY reason on your ignore list. I practice what I preach. My visits to the Board have become much more pleasants since I started adding those posters who annoy me on my ignore list.
AMEN!!!!
Kim
Why don't you send him an E-mail and chew him out. It would be interesting to find out if he answers you. Let us know.
What Granny says.....Misales dooos. Honor your elders....I guess that must be the reason they keep calling me the "kid". Granny, I think that remark is no longer politically correct either. Soon to be on everybodys ignore list but I will continue. If all else fails I will golf into the sunset with Robi and eat banannas with Rich.
FYI, CC'ed to Gail Zimmerman, Harvard dermatology, and U of M dermatology.
October 18, 2004
Charles Krauthammer MD
C/O The Washington Post
Dear Dr. Krauthammer,
I am replying to your post column from October 15th, 2004 titled “An Edwards Outrage”. In this column you stated that “I said on television that Kerry has a plan for everything except curing psoriasis”. In addition towards the end of your column you stated that “But to exploit the desperate hopes of desperate people with the promise of Christ-like cures is beyond pale”.
To introduce myself I am a 36 year old male with a 4 year history of severe plaque psoriasis. To the point of running through the standard mode of therapy for this disease and getting quite honestly nowhere fast I finally found a therapy through the University of Michigan that has put me into remission. This remission was also assisted through the support of a number of my friends on the public message boards of the National Psoriasis Foundation.
During my daily yahoo news search for the “psoriasis cure” I came across your article. I read the article and decided to bring this article to the attention of the NPF message board. The board brought fourth it’s usual comments and opinions, some even harsh. The thread also spurred a spin off thread as to what really is a “cure”.
Personally, when reading the article the first time, I was somewhat curious as to why you chose “psoriasis” as the one disease that not even John Kerry can cure. I mean it seems from your comment that you believe that Kerry and Edwards think they can cure everything with the exception of psoriasis. Apparently this is the disease that no one can cure?
The National Psoriasis Foundation, of which I am a member, has a logo that includes the words “Connect, Control, Cure”. One of our members brought this up in this discussion of your comments. The NPF, as I have researched, has given a substantial amount of money to Harvard University, where you have received your medical degree from, to hopefully assist us in finding this “cure“. Although a member of the NPF message boards, a medical professional herself, made the following comment regarding your knowledge of psoriasis as “He has no more knowledge of this disease as he has of interior decorating. It just sounded good! “, I tend to disagree. I was seen by Dr. Charles Ellis and Dr. Sewon Kang at the University of Michigan Medical School and personally believe that doctors from premier universities are of a higher caliber. I also believe that a person of your stature, knowledge, and training as a medical doctor and writer would not make such a statement because it “sounded good”.
So I guess my question to you is was your comment regarding psoriasis in this article “fair”? Or as a medical doctor from Harvard do you know something that we don’t know. I have read your biography and it appears that you were a white house science advisor to the Carter Administration. Do you know more about “the cure” than we do? Your reference to “Christ-Like cures” suggest that a cure for psoriasis may really just be a miracle instead of science trying to catch up with God.
In any case, I wish upon you the cure for your affliction, it is a good hope. I would also like to add that we have started a small support group in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Area, and although we do not have much money, I would personally invite you to lecture us if you happen to be in the Michigan area. I think our goal is to get a cure for our afflictions, possibly you can convince me to quit searching yahoo news on a daily basis.
I would also like to invite you to join the National Psoriasis Foundation. They have an excellent program for doctors and professionals like you. To make this brief, you may contact them via their website at here or I’m sure you can get referred through Harvard Dermatology.
Let it go. Please don't drag our battle with this disease into the nonsensical rhetortic being used in the current political battle. He has no more knowledge of this disease as he has of interior decorating. It just sounded good!!! It has nothing to do with us!!!!!!! Not long ago a bar boasted something ridiculous about not catching psoriasis there. So sad that politics and advertising have decided that we are current and "cool". WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hold the presses!!!!!!! This may be just what we are looking for. FREE PUBLICITY FOR OUR CAUSE!!!
In the meantime, cut the crap kids! Sick and tired of the personal pot stirring.
XOXOXO
There were plenty of excellent posts to this thread, even one in disagreement that happened to be from a fellow support group member. This post inparticular, in my opinion, appeared to be personally insulting as I am a grown adult and also appeared to be off topic.
Thanks Mike.
Thank you for your e-mail to Charles Krauthammer. Be assured that your letter
will be read. However, because of the high volume of correspondence we receive,
it is, as you can understand, impossible for Charles to answer each submission
personally.
If you wish, we could help get your comments to the attention of others as well.
We would be happy to pass along your letter to your local newspaper (a) to make
the editors aware of your continued interest in the column and (b) for their
consideration for publication. If you wish us to do so, please let us know by
return e-mail where you read the column.
Thank you very much,
The Washington Post Writers Group
Mike you give good advice. This trouble maker is now on my ignore list and I have deleted my post.
Although this is a public forum I would think that its members would ask the permission of one another before using & manipulating conversations which take place here to support their own agendas.
I have learned my lesson.
Maybe this is not the section for this reply but listen,,,don't ever think nothing can be found for a cure for P,,,, why,,, because as a wife of a liver transplant patient,,,dh,,,8 yrs ago,,,he had a very short time to live,,,he has a new liver and is doing well,,so far and hopefully for a long time to come,,,and the use of meds.to trick the body into not rejecting the liver,,,is done with immu-suppressants,,keeping the immune system very low,,,,,,so you never know what is to come as a cure.... hopefully soon....
I was going to keep quite but I need to responce. do I think that Charels Krauthammers remarks were apporpriate or not is unimportant. Although he is a columinist, adn a doctor MSales you negelected to mention that Dr.Krauthammer is a Psychiartrist. Although pschiatry is a very vaild medical field, and I am sure, he has a what he believes, is a vaild point of view I am not sure with his medical discipline he is the most reliable one to predict the results of Medical Research. As a psychiartist me may have a valid point on medical ethics but is he equiped to judge where medical science may or may not to able to go.
And just be cause he came from Harvard dosen't mean his degree caries any more wieght than if he came from Rutgers, Michigan or Boise State (all who have turned out Noble Prize Winners). Remember Harvard also gave us Dr.Thimothy Leary. And Yale gave us......
NPF has been funding specific projects not Schools. I am aware of the amazing job done by the NPF in establishing the first "Psoriasis Tissue Bank" @ Baylor University. The only one of it kind it the world. Grants are given to specific projects has they are presented to the NPF Medlical Board.
I also know that the NPF is working to establis the world's largest collection of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis genetic samples which will help researchers in there search for the cure. Along the way better treatments and regiments will be found to treat this dreaded disease and make the lives of suffers more bearable till that day when there is a cure.
I just read this whole thread............
Can I have a refund! :(
I am not going to post a link to this article due to it's political circumstances, however, if you find the article or know about his statement, please focus on his statement and nothing else. Otherwise this is going to turn into a mess.
The way I look it at is that he basically said theres a fat chance in h#ll to find a cure for psoriasis. Is that true? this guy can't be that stupid can he? What odds do the "best derms" give for a cure to P?
Answers:
Good question, misales.
Although I can't answer your question, it did give me an idea for another post in the Psoriais section.
Answers:
Well I read his bio. He is a MD, hasn't practiced for sometime however and he has won a purlitzer prize. Is a cure for psoriasis a big "hoax"? In fact I think he referred to promising or even suggesting an impossible cure as promoting false hope and no better than selling snake oil. Why would such a person say this.
Answers:
Brad,
This is something I have discussed with many people including dermatologists, chemists (not pharmacists, but PhD's in Chemistry), and even a geneticist.
A cure to any autoimmune disease is extremely difficult to fathom because of the nature of the disease. Think about it, to cure the disease you would have to permanently alter the immune system and perhaps other functions that are involved.
More realistic is the development of drugs that would be successful in supressing the symptoms of any autoimmune disease safely and successful in the long term.
Answers:
I read the article and I think he was comparing a cure for psoriasis to Kerry's stem cell research idea that (stem-cell) would cure paralysis, which it won't. I have heard several doctors saying that the stem-cell will never cure a spinal cord injury.
I think we are just sensitive to people using the word psoriasis without thinking of the people that have the disease.
Personally, I don't think I will get to see a cure-meaning gone-never to return. Some of you younger folks might get to see that. I sure hope so.
Granny
Answers:
Well I will add this, regardless of the context of the other stuff he was talking about, why would he make that comment towards PSORIASIS. How many worse uncureable diseases, a lot of them deadly. Lets see cancer, aids, you name it, tons worse, but he has to make that comment refering to PSORIASIS. He makes the comment apparently off the cuff and non-chalantly like there will never be a cure....are you kidding.
Answers:
Psoriasis has been kicked around for a long time in a jokingly manner. I remember hearing of "The heartbreak of psoriasis" when I was a child. On the radio-we did not have TV. I always wondered what it was, never knowing that I would someday have it.
It was unfortunate, but as I said, we are super sensitive to that word. It would be the same with other people with any other disease that he might have used.
People that don't have it have no idea how we suffer. No on even knows that I have it unless I tell them. I have it on the bottom of my feet and on my palms. So it is easily hidden. I look healthy(except my weight) and I know people wonder why I use handicap parking or my wheelchair.
Why don't you send him an E-mail and chew him out. It would be interesting to find out if he answers you. Let us know. I just don't pay any attention to remarks like that.
Granny
Answers:
Put ANY poster whose posts annoy you for ANY reason on your ignore list. I practice what I preach. My visits to the Board have become much more pleasants since I started adding those posters who annoy me on my ignore list.
Just my $0.02.
Mike
Answers:
Misales, I read the article. I don't think what he said was anything to get offended about.jmo. all he said was " Kerry has a plan for curing everything except psoriais" It is only his opinion on stem cell research and how people are eager for a cure for everything from alzheimer's to paralysis. He is only saying not to have false hope. being that he is paralized I am sure he would love a cure too. nothing against stem cell research, but it does remain to be seen. I personally don't think we will see a cure in our lifetime. although, believe me, it has come a long way in treatments from years past. and there are a lot worst things to have. sometimes you just need to accept the hand you are dealt and enjoy life the best way you can. I think Christopher Reeve did it perfectly!
Answers:
Brad, I gotta agree with others on this one. I've seen the article as well and in the context he said it, he's just showing his opinion of Kerry's health "plan". From what I read, he doesn't care much for Kerry and was just trying to show just how ridiculous some of the statements are that Kerry has made regarding healthcare.
Answers:
He has no more knowledge of this disease as he has of interior decorating.
First, the guy has a md from harvard.
You need to leave the politics out of this.
His opinion, the way I read it .. is that it is "rediculous to suggest" that anyone can find the cure to all the diseases.....especially psoriasis. For some reason he just gave me the impression that he would let everyone slide on psoriasis, since it is uncurable. Well his statement was disappointing to me.
Well it's ok to get on Dennis Miller and stupid radio stations.
But since this guys a doc I will leave it alone.
Answers:
I am not going to post a link to this article due to it's political circumstances, however, if you find the article or know about his statement, please focus on his statement and nothing else. Otherwise this is going to turn into a mess.
You know I saw the writing on the wall on my first post. Apparently I should have put this in BOLD.
Answers:
Brad, I gotta agree with others on this one. I've seen the article as well and in the context he said it, he's just showing his opinion of Kerry's health "plan". From what I read, he doesn't care much for Kerry and was just trying to show just how ridiculous some of the statements are that Kerry has made regarding healthcare.
Right, he was trying to show how ridiculous Kerry and Edwards are about making a parapalegic walk again. I wasn't trying to put politics into this, just discussing the MISUSE of the word "psoriasis"
Sorry if I annoyed anyone. I think it was insensitive, also.
Granny
Answers:
Some people may wonder where I came up with this article. Everyday I search the Yahoo news for "psoriasis" in my search for the latest news hoping that the magic news article will suddenly appear. Lately it has been nothing but stock market financials, arthritis meds being pulled, and that article today. Just looking for the magic and it just doesn't seem to come, all I get is that sort of crap lately.
Answers:
In the meantime, cut the crap kids! Sick and tired of the personal pot stirring.
originally posted by MikeK:
Put ANY poster whose posts annoy you for ANY reason on your ignore list. I practice what I preach. My visits to the Board have become much more pleasants since I started adding those posters who annoy me on my ignore list.
AMEN!!!!
Kim
Answers:
Why don't you send him an E-mail and chew him out. It would be interesting to find out if he answers you. Let us know.
What Granny says.....Misales dooos. Honor your elders....I guess that must be the reason they keep calling me the "kid". Granny, I think that remark is no longer politically correct either. Soon to be on everybodys ignore list but I will continue. If all else fails I will golf into the sunset with Robi and eat banannas with Rich.
FYI, CC'ed to Gail Zimmerman, Harvard dermatology, and U of M dermatology.
October 18, 2004
Charles Krauthammer MD
C/O The Washington Post
Dear Dr. Krauthammer,
I am replying to your post column from October 15th, 2004 titled “An Edwards Outrage”. In this column you stated that “I said on television that Kerry has a plan for everything except curing psoriasis”. In addition towards the end of your column you stated that “But to exploit the desperate hopes of desperate people with the promise of Christ-like cures is beyond pale”.
To introduce myself I am a 36 year old male with a 4 year history of severe plaque psoriasis. To the point of running through the standard mode of therapy for this disease and getting quite honestly nowhere fast I finally found a therapy through the University of Michigan that has put me into remission. This remission was also assisted through the support of a number of my friends on the public message boards of the National Psoriasis Foundation.
During my daily yahoo news search for the “psoriasis cure” I came across your article. I read the article and decided to bring this article to the attention of the NPF message board. The board brought fourth it’s usual comments and opinions, some even harsh. The thread also spurred a spin off thread as to what really is a “cure”.
Personally, when reading the article the first time, I was somewhat curious as to why you chose “psoriasis” as the one disease that not even John Kerry can cure. I mean it seems from your comment that you believe that Kerry and Edwards think they can cure everything with the exception of psoriasis. Apparently this is the disease that no one can cure?
The National Psoriasis Foundation, of which I am a member, has a logo that includes the words “Connect, Control, Cure”. One of our members brought this up in this discussion of your comments. The NPF, as I have researched, has given a substantial amount of money to Harvard University, where you have received your medical degree from, to hopefully assist us in finding this “cure“. Although a member of the NPF message boards, a medical professional herself, made the following comment regarding your knowledge of psoriasis as “He has no more knowledge of this disease as he has of interior decorating. It just sounded good! “, I tend to disagree. I was seen by Dr. Charles Ellis and Dr. Sewon Kang at the University of Michigan Medical School and personally believe that doctors from premier universities are of a higher caliber. I also believe that a person of your stature, knowledge, and training as a medical doctor and writer would not make such a statement because it “sounded good”.
So I guess my question to you is was your comment regarding psoriasis in this article “fair”? Or as a medical doctor from Harvard do you know something that we don’t know. I have read your biography and it appears that you were a white house science advisor to the Carter Administration. Do you know more about “the cure” than we do? Your reference to “Christ-Like cures” suggest that a cure for psoriasis may really just be a miracle instead of science trying to catch up with God.
In any case, I wish upon you the cure for your affliction, it is a good hope. I would also like to add that we have started a small support group in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Area, and although we do not have much money, I would personally invite you to lecture us if you happen to be in the Michigan area. I think our goal is to get a cure for our afflictions, possibly you can convince me to quit searching yahoo news on a daily basis.
I would also like to invite you to join the National Psoriasis Foundation. They have an excellent program for doctors and professionals like you. To make this brief, you may contact them via their website at here or I’m sure you can get referred through Harvard Dermatology.
Answers:
Let it go. Please don't drag our battle with this disease into the nonsensical rhetortic being used in the current political battle. He has no more knowledge of this disease as he has of interior decorating. It just sounded good!!! It has nothing to do with us!!!!!!! Not long ago a bar boasted something ridiculous about not catching psoriasis there. So sad that politics and advertising have decided that we are current and "cool". WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hold the presses!!!!!!! This may be just what we are looking for. FREE PUBLICITY FOR OUR CAUSE!!!
In the meantime, cut the crap kids! Sick and tired of the personal pot stirring.
XOXOXO
There were plenty of excellent posts to this thread, even one in disagreement that happened to be from a fellow support group member. This post inparticular, in my opinion, appeared to be personally insulting as I am a grown adult and also appeared to be off topic.
Thanks Mike.
Answers:
Thank you for your e-mail to Charles Krauthammer. Be assured that your letter
will be read. However, because of the high volume of correspondence we receive,
it is, as you can understand, impossible for Charles to answer each submission
personally.
If you wish, we could help get your comments to the attention of others as well.
We would be happy to pass along your letter to your local newspaper (a) to make
the editors aware of your continued interest in the column and (b) for their
consideration for publication. If you wish us to do so, please let us know by
return e-mail where you read the column.
Thank you very much,
The Washington Post Writers Group
Answers:
Mike you give good advice. This trouble maker is now on my ignore list and I have deleted my post.
Although this is a public forum I would think that its members would ask the permission of one another before using & manipulating conversations which take place here to support their own agendas.
I have learned my lesson.
Answers:
Maybe this is not the section for this reply but listen,,,don't ever think nothing can be found for a cure for P,,,, why,,, because as a wife of a liver transplant patient,,,dh,,,8 yrs ago,,,he had a very short time to live,,,he has a new liver and is doing well,,so far and hopefully for a long time to come,,,and the use of meds.to trick the body into not rejecting the liver,,,is done with immu-suppressants,,keeping the immune system very low,,,,,,so you never know what is to come as a cure.... hopefully soon....
Answers:
I was going to keep quite but I need to responce. do I think that Charels Krauthammers remarks were apporpriate or not is unimportant. Although he is a columinist, adn a doctor MSales you negelected to mention that Dr.Krauthammer is a Psychiartrist. Although pschiatry is a very vaild medical field, and I am sure, he has a what he believes, is a vaild point of view I am not sure with his medical discipline he is the most reliable one to predict the results of Medical Research. As a psychiartist me may have a valid point on medical ethics but is he equiped to judge where medical science may or may not to able to go.
And just be cause he came from Harvard dosen't mean his degree caries any more wieght than if he came from Rutgers, Michigan or Boise State (all who have turned out Noble Prize Winners). Remember Harvard also gave us Dr.Thimothy Leary. And Yale gave us......
NPF has been funding specific projects not Schools. I am aware of the amazing job done by the NPF in establishing the first "Psoriasis Tissue Bank" @ Baylor University. The only one of it kind it the world. Grants are given to specific projects has they are presented to the NPF Medlical Board.
I also know that the NPF is working to establis the world's largest collection of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis genetic samples which will help researchers in there search for the cure. Along the way better treatments and regiments will be found to treat this dreaded disease and make the lives of suffers more bearable till that day when there is a cure.
Answers:
I just read this whole thread............
Can I have a refund! :(
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