It is also worrying to see that an MP who is known to be interested in
environmental issues has been forced to apply to the Data Protection
Agency in order to discover if the British Secret Service have kept
files on him.
He is not alone since information suggests that those who have been
harmed by the chemical and drug companies may find their telephone
conversations tapped, fax messages diverted, letters opened and
unwanted tampering with E-mails and computer files.
Those who show an interest in "green" issues may find themselves
regarded as part of activist groups by those who wish to find any
excuse to gain information about their private lives using the above
methods.
The present UK Government is presiding over a surveillance system
which has seen greater levels of telephone tapping than the country
has ever known, even in time of war.
In any ordinary circumstances the media of any country would demand an explanation as to why it is that obviously sick individuals are denied their rights in this way. If this was happening in Russia there would be front page headlines about "State Oppression".
Why is the media not prepared to cover the issues raised on these
pages?
Many of the victims have been seen by reporters from press and
television and most have handed over vital supporting evidence gained
at much expense and in difficult circumstances. Many have given
statements, photographic evidence, medical opinions and correspondence
which add detail to the terrible tale which could be told.
Some have even risked their own health and legal actions by taking part in television documentaries or making films only to have those works cast aside by the companies who give in to the pressure for silence. A few broadcasts do get through, usually in restricted areas and at times when few will see them, but the expected follow up stories in the press rarely follow.
Letters to the press are rarely printed and censorship is commonplace.
Some victims have even travelled to studios for live "on-air" broadcasts and managed to voice some of the more controversial subjects only to find that the programme broadcast was not that in which they took part and the listeners have heard not a word.
This is supposed to be a Democratic Nation which allows people with the
most controversial and dangerous political views to voice them and yet
those harmed by the multi-nationals are denied a voice.
Sometimes it appears that terrorists are treated with more respect.
There is much talk about "D" Notices which are imposed on the media in
order to prevent information considered to be damaging to the country
being reported. If this is the reason for the censorship then that
method is being abused by Government and by the media.
The issues raised on this site are issues which directly effect the
health of every individual in the Nation be it man, woman, child or the
as yet unborn future generations.
The facts are supportable by evidence gained over many years.
There may be hidden reasons seemingly unrelated to Government which
may explain the general indifference to what is a growing concern.
The need for insurance cover may be an influencing factor should an
accused company threaten to sue if certain facts are published.
The control over the press by individuals with financial interests
in the companies subject to the exposure may be another.
Financial pressures imposed by potential compensation claims may be
another but that is no excuse for hiding serious adverse health
effects of chemicals which can only cause illness in an ever growing
proportion of the population.
Perhaps the real reason is the need to protect the reputations of
senior individuals in our society but if this is the case then those
reputations are already beyond salvation.
Whatever the reason the result is clear.
All those who show an interest are at first horrified at what they
discover and declare an intent to expose what are obvious wrongs.
That attitude soon changes to one of fear, even to mention what they
know, and reports are heard that threats have been made.
Those threats may take the form of ending a career or instigating
court action but sometimes veiled threats may have the individual
fearful that life may not continue and damage to property will
sometimes be used to emphasise the point.
Financial pressure has been put on victims with threats to cause
bankruptcy or other financial difficulties.
Everyone has to live and it is all too easy to take the easy way out.
The majority of the victims are innocent individuals who have never
had the need to deal with such situations before.
Many are farm workers who have given their lives to the work of
feeding others and caring for animals for very low wages and in poor
working conditions.
If powerful organisations have to resort to such extreme methods to hide the truth told by honest, weak, and poisoned people then we should all be worried.
Dated 16/9/2000