Christopher Hitchens diagnosed with cancer

[Horwood Beer-Master]

Well it would be nice to think I might react like this if I had a terminal disease - but I think it far more likely I'd get depression. I've never reacted well to the whole 'death' issue in any context.

I didn't react well to the death issue either for a long time. When I got older, and when I stared to be around others with a terminal illnesses and experienced their death, (in general this starts to happen more when you get older) that changed my perspective quite a bit.

My first experience of this was when I was 18 with my Mum. If anything I'd say it left me worse off for coping with these things.

[maiforpeace]

Well it would be nice to think I might react like this if I had a terminal disease - but I think it far more likely I'd get depression. I've never reacted well to the whole 'death' issue in any context.

I didn't react well to the death issue either for a long time. When I got older, and when I stared to be around others with a terminal illnesses and experienced their death, (in general this starts to happen more when you get older) that changed my perspective quite a bit.

My first experience of this was when I was 18 with my Mum. If anything I'd say it left me worse off for coping with these things.

Aww. I was traumatized by my mother's death only when I was twice that age. I can't imagine what it would have been like for me at 18.

[Meekychuppet]

Bad news!
He was definitely in the high risk group, but he knowingly took those risks.
Hopefully they got it early.

He knowingly took those risks. So I suppose he deserves whatever he gets. Nice.

I think you are reading more into what Faithfree (FF) was writing - all he wrote is that Hitchens knowingly took those risks, nothing more. FF is not a smug type of person.

It bothers me that there are certain illnesses that are generally maintained as warranting sympathy, while others get the response of "Well, they brought it on themselves." Smoking is an addiction some claim is harder to quit than heroin-- an illness in itself. Then to face what Hitchens is facing-- well, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I don't know Faithfree, but the implication of Faithfree's words are pretty clear-- though in this case, expressed with some kindness.

Heroin addiction is not an illness.

[mistermack]

The gods must be looking down on us and laughing.
I can imagine apollo saying " what's wrong with these humans, don't they realise they will ALL be dead within the blink of an eye ? "
Truth is we've all got a terminal illness, and none of us has got long.
.

[maiforpeace]

Bad news!
He was definitely in the high risk group, but he knowingly took those risks.
Hopefully they got it early.

He knowingly took those risks. So I suppose he deserves whatever he gets. Nice.

I think you are reading more into what Faithfree (FF) was writing - all he wrote is that Hitchens knowingly took those risks, nothing more. FF is not a smug type of person.

It bothers me that there are certain illnesses that are generally maintained as warranting sympathy, while others get the response of "Well, they brought it on themselves." Smoking is an addiction some claim is harder to quit than heroin-- an illness in itself. Then to face what Hitchens is facing-- well, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I don't know Faithfree, but the implication of Faithfree's words are pretty clear-- though in this case, expressed with some kindness.

Heroin addiction is not an illness.

I think he probably meant disease.

[Trolldor]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

[Lozzer]

Bad news!
He was definitely in the high risk group, but he knowingly took those risks.
Hopefully they got it early.

He knowingly took those risks. So I suppose he deserves whatever he gets. Nice.

I think you are reading more into what Faithfree (FF) was writing - all he wrote is that Hitchens knowingly took those risks, nothing more. FF is not a smug type of person.

It bothers me that there are certain illnesses that are generally maintained as warranting sympathy, while others get the response of "Well, they brought it on themselves." Smoking is an addiction some claim is harder to quit than heroin-- an illness in itself. Then to face what Hitchens is facing-- well, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I don't know Faithfree, but the implication of Faithfree's words are pretty clear-- though in this case, expressed with some kindness.

Heroin addiction is not an illness.

[Meekychuppet]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

[Horwood Beer-Master]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

[maiforpeace]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

Semantics?

Whether it's illness, disease or unwellness, we were discussing whether or not drug addiction deserved the same sympathy as other illnesses or diseases.

[Rum]

Fuckedupness will do just fine. The route you get there is many and varied. But they all deserve sympathy.

[maiforpeace]

Fuckedupness will do just fine.

Thanks Rum, I needed that.

[Meekychuppet]

Addiction can classify as a mental illness.

A person may become an addict as a result of self-medicating, but addiction? Illness it ain't.

Well it sure ain't "wellness", so what is it then?

Broken bones ain't wellness but it doesn't make throwing yourself in front of the car that broke them an illness.

I refer you to the Penn &Teller 'Bullshit' episode about alcoholism.

[charlou]

Now, I'd like to affirm that of course certain lifestyle choices lead to health problems-- I just get upset by people who are judgmental where sympathy would be more appropriate. Now I'm done grinding that particular ax. And Faithfree, we're all good as far as I'm concerned. No worries.

Right so why the utterly absurd and utterly sanctimonious and unnecessary comment?

No more unnecessary than "lol bollocks."

I've admitted I had an ax to grind, and I've made my explanations. I haven't been absurd, and I don't think I was sanctimonious. I was impassioned, and I made a remark that responded to a perceived tone in a comment. My response was angrier than the comment warranted. Sorry about that, Faithfree.

Considering that I've explained as much previously, I wonder about the motives behind your commentary, PC.
I don't wonder enough to need to read about them, though.

lol bollocks.

Not funny, Poss.


hadespussercats, sorry I missed your earlier explanation.

[hadespussercats]

Now, I'd like to affirm that of course certain lifestyle choices lead to health problems-- I just get upset by people who are judgmental where sympathy would be more appropriate. Now I'm done grinding that particular ax. And Faithfree, we're all good as far as I'm concerned. No worries.

Right so why the utterly absurd and utterly sanctimonious and unnecessary comment?

No more unnecessary than "lol bollocks."

I've admitted I had an ax to grind, and I've made my explanations. I haven't been absurd, and I don't think I was sanctimonious. I was impassioned, and I made a remark that responded to a perceived tone in a comment. My response was angrier than the comment warranted. Sorry about that, Faithfree.

Considering that I've explained as much previously, I wonder about the motives behind your commentary, PC.
I don't wonder enough to need to read about them, though.

lol bollocks.

Not funny, Poss.


hadespussercats, sorry I missed your earlier explanation.

No worries, Charlou.