eSadists

[wjw...@hotmail.com]

Over the course of the last two years, I have run across a curious
breed
of people who seem to get off on the pain and suffering of others. In
general, they're called "sadists". That's not really something new,
but these people I'm talking about inhabit Internet discussion groups,
often obtaining a measure of control by becoming "moderators", or
cozying up to the moderators. They will maintain a facade of
compassion and will often have a considerable store of knowledge about
the disease. I call these people "eSaists". They seem to feed off the
fear, despair and desperation of people watching helplessly as their
loved-ones slowly slip away. They are like some creature from an old
episode of Star Trek or the "horla" of 19th century French literature.

An eSadist enjoys the suffering of others, and often infests
discussion groups where hopelessly incurable diseases are discussed.
They talk incessantly about things like hospice, durable powers of
attorney, and brain donations. They taunt desperate people with
"possible cures" and new developments that are years and years away.
"They're working on it now, but it won't be available to help *your*
loved one."

The real test is when a possible treatment is brought up that those
interested could start pursuing TODAY. The eSadist will balk at the
idea. They will openly attack not only the idea, but the person who
dares to introduce the subject. If they have the power to squelch the
idea and the person, they *will* use it. Another key characteristic
of an eSadist is that since a possible treatment available immediately
might rob them of sad and desperate souls to taunt and feed off of,
they will never pass along their knowledge of a ray of hope for an
effective treatment. They will keep it to themselves, and only
dispense their knowledge when their credibility and motives are
challenged.

It is wise to identify personalty types like this, and avoid them.

[Swarfmaker]

In addition to the eSadists, there are two other characters one might
run into... and run away from with the greatest of hast.

Kevorkians behave in a similar manner, but they have given up. To
them, death is the only answer. They are tired, and want to be free
from the burden of caring and worrying about their loved one. They
don't want there to be an effective therapy. They don't want to
preserve a life that they have judged to be not worth living any
longer. Their excuse is that that don't want their loved one to
suffer any longer. But the real reason is selfishness, and that they
can not admit.

Those in the Company of Misery have alread lost a loved one to some
incurable disease. Like the Kevorkians and the eSadists, they really
don't want to see any drug, supplement or therapy work, especially if
such could have been available to help their departed loved one, if
only they had known in time. They want others to join in. Misery
loves company.