Joni Mitchells song about Morgellons

[tcmgpt13]

I am not sure that people with Morgellons are the only ones who have to deal with unfeeling and sometimes pompous doctors who do not listen to them, as even those with HIV/AIDS are not always treated with respect by doctors or other health care workers. There are many illnesses which carry with them a social stigma. The main one connected to Morgellons is DOP, but there are other illnesses as well. Just think about those who have other parasitic diseases or other infections which are hard to cure like leprosy. Not many doctors want to see these patients either. Somehow, I still think this song, written so many years ago, was not written about Morgellons which was even more obscure in the year 1994 than it is now. It sounds more like a record of the different types of abuse people suffer in different situations when the album is viewed as a whole work of which Sire of Sorrow is but one song. The book of Job and the connection to this song and others I can understand but the 2010 interpretation of this song to me seems a stretch:

Healthcare

In healthcare settings people with HIV can experience stigma and discrimination such as being refused medicines or access to facilities, receiving HIV testing without consent, and a lack of confidentiality. Such responses are often fuelled by ignorance of HIV transmission routes amongst doctors, midwives, nurses and hospital staff. That medical staff should perhaps have a better understanding of HIV makes discrimination in healthcare settings all the more damaging.18

...they covered the chair, the light, the doctors were wearing three pairs of gloves...

Lack of confidentiality has been repeatedly mentioned as a particular problem in health care settings. Many people living with HIV/AIDS do not get to choose how, when and to whom to disclose their HIV status. Studies by the WHO in India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand found that 34% of respondents reported breaches of confidentiality by health workers.19

Doctors in healthcare setting in resource-poor areas with limited or no drugs have reported a frustration with the lack of options for treating people with HIV/AIDS, who were seen as 'doomed' to die.20 This frustration may mean that AIDS patients are not prioritised or are actively discriminated against. Fear of exposure to HIV as a result of lack of protective equipment is another factor fuelling discrimination among doctors and nurses in under-resourced clinics and hospitals.

Stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings are not confined to developing countries. Below an HIV positive woman in London, UK tells of her experience with an NHS dentist:

“I have a dental problem and I go to this clinic, and I go there, two maybe three times. So eventually I told them about my condition. They explained that I would have to be the last appointment of the day. I have been to that room, and sat on that chair, and the same doctor examined me as before, but after I told them I was HIV positive. So I went for the last appointment of the day last week, they covered the chair, the light, the doctors were wearing three pairs of gloves…”21

A review of research into stigma in health care settings advocated a multi-pronged approach to tackling it, requiring action on the individual, environmental and policy levels. Health care workers need to be made aware of the negative effect that stigma can have on the quality of care patients receive; they should have accurate information about the risk of HIV infection, the misperception of which can lead to stigmatising actions; and they should also be encouraged to not associate HIV with immoral behaviour. Facilities should have sufficient equipment and information so health workers can carry out universal precautions and prevent exposure to HIV.22

Policies within health care settings can also be effective in reducing stigma. Such programmes would involve participatory methods like role play and group discussion, as well as training on stigma and universal precautions. The involvement of people living with HIV could lead to a greater understanding of patients’ needs and the negative effect of stigma.23

Stigma, discrimination and attitudes to HIV & AIDS Healthcare

[kmar]

Sunny77777 doesn't seem to have any information on whether or not Joni Mitchell dedicated that song to morgellon sufferers.

There seem to be many questions and no proof of a dedication. (YET)

Sunny is now calling what was said at the 2010 conference in Austin simply a "Reference" to Joni Mitchell based on what Amelia Withington stated at the 2009 last year's conference.


Hopefully, Sunny will come back to clarify this.

LymeBusters - 3rd Morgellons Conference in Austin--Great!!

and HERE:

LymeBusters - 3rd Morgellons Conference in Austin--Great!!


This below was posted on Joni Mitchell's Facebook page by Cindy Casey just 9 days before the conference and the comment does not appear as if Cindy Casey even knows Joni Mitchell or that Joni Mitchell ever visited the NMO website.

It is possible that this "dedication" is a big misunderstanding unless Sunny can verify somewhere a true dedication as she proclaimed on several of these morg boards after the conference.



POSTED ON Joni Mitchell's Facebook Page
by Cindy Casey of NMO:

(note: the FACEBOOK page had a disclaimer that Joni may not even see the comments)

Cindy Casey Hi Joni, I thought that just in case you might visit this page, I would say 'hey'. I've been looking at some of your paintings on your website. Here's to you and all you represent for the study of humanity. The art, the music is truly incredible and my hat's off to you. Thank you for 'The Sire of Sorrow..Job's Sad... Song' . Check out Morgellons music at http://www.thenmo.org/music.htm
Cindy

Charles E. Holman Foundation
Charles E. Holman Foundation
Raising awareness and funding for research of Morgellons Disease. The New Morgellons Order consists of doctors, nurses and people who want to help those suffering with Morgellons Disease.
Posted on: March 18 at 6:48pm

[tcmgpt13]

I agree Kmar, if this information was posted without knowing if the dedication statement posted on MDR was actually said by Joni it does Joni Mitchell a real disservice. Hopefully this will be clarified by Sunny in the near future. Or else the post(s) will be retracted entirely if nothing other than hearsay is the source.