How did you feel when you heard the reports and news stories about the recent Ebola epidemic in West Africa? Did you believe the numbers were accurate? I don’t have a science or medical background, but something in the recent news stories just seemed…WRONG. I felt very confident that the numbers were too low and that the seriousness of the situation was being downplayed. (Note: I have the same feelings about the unemployment figures; but that’s material for another column).

In previous years, we were “told” that Ebola was a terrifying disease with no cure. Now we learn that there is a cure…if you are not African. And the earlier stories always included frequent updates and information from the World Health Organization. Now I notice the news reports also reference the world’s financial rating agency, Moody’s, regarding the Ebola epidemic’s impact on the African economy as well as global (Western) financial world.

For years we have heard the expression ”Money Talks”. But as quiet as it is kept…the truth is that “MONEY SHOUTS!” I am guessing the reports concerning the size of the Ebola epidemic have been edited, censored, shaped to meet the needs of Corporate interests. Imagine how panic would impact big money business ventures? If people panicked about Ebola, the costs of keeping the oil industry (i.e. payoffs as well equipment etc) would soar, to protect the profits from falling. Everyone, including many of those benefiting from cover-ups and pay offs would run for cover!

Too often the desire for profits undermines the need to protect people. Remember LOVE CANAL in Upstate NY, CANCER ALLEY in Louisiana, and British Petroleum in the Gulf. I applaud the whistle blowers who commit to informing the public about potential health hazards.

Recently, I listened to Debbie Sacra, wife of Dr. Rick Sacra, who is being treated at the Nebraska Medical Center. She spoke about her husband as well as all the people living and dying of this horrible disease. I was struck by her assessment of Ebola in Africa. I heard her say something about things will get worse before they get better. I was stunned by her candor.

I listened for her words in later rebroadcasts but it seemed like those words were lost… I know I didn’t imagine her warning, or did I? Did anyone else hear her? She spoke truth, and the truth is so hard to hear

 

Janet Cormier is a painter, writes prose and poetry, and performs comedy. JC prefers different and original over pretty. She loves collecting stuff, but cleaning not so much. Janet also talks to strangers… a lot. Her column appears weekly in Oddball Magazine.