Thanks Alan, for your thoughtful posting.  I think that all in the U.K.
would agree with you that the problem is fractionalisation and a lack of
unity, and, as you have clearly picked up from the postings, a proper forum
for communication and debate.  A number of us have been trying to establish
such a forum but the postings have been 'misunderstood'.
I feel sure that other topics will be posted soon!

Kind regards

Bill Liggins
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Crawford" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 4:54 AM
Subject: Grandparenting


> I expect after the deluge of emails on a number of issues which began
under the heading of grandparenting I may be the last to contribute. Unlike
some contributors I find the discussion relevant and interesting even though
it does not directly affect the profession in Australia--yet. I believe
there is more to podiatry than the latest biomechanical theory or surgical
procedure. I applaud those who seek advancement through testing their
theories and skills but the profession still owes support and consideration
for the opinion of those, probably the majority, who do not get as involved
in areas considered more academic.
> Personal experience over the years in both the UK and Australia supports
the view that our profession has never been politically smart or apparently
willing to engage the members in serious debate. Maybe that is changing in
the UK but again it may depend on who one believes when reading emails. The
message appears to be that communication is not happening on major issues
which has the propensity to lead to a feeling of frustration, alienation and
in some cases, a resultant backlash from those who still have enough drive
and interest to complain.
> For those in office there can be nothing worse than having the best
interest of your profession at heart and just continually banging your head
on the door of political indifference. Communication on all relevant
professional matters would hopefully get more people on side and reduce the
frequency of headaches.
> Someone, and I think it was Ralph, said that almost every country where
podiatry was practised, would like to attain the goal of the UK, USA and
Australia. I have to ask what it was they found so appealing?
> Finally, I would hate to see discussion on political issues banned on the
mailbase as obviously the profession has to face up to such issues and be
prepared to debate them. There is hopefully a place for all topics as long
as they are kept impersonal.
> Alan Crawford
> Queensland University of Technology
> Brisbane, Australia
>
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