BellaOnline Forums Family Early Childhood Tom Cruise Vs. Brooke Shields & pseudo-science

If anyone is curious about where Tom Cruise's medical and historical "knowledge" comes from, take a look at this web site:

http://www.lisamcpherson.org/cos/index.htm

Lisa McPherson died while receiving "treatment" from her fellow Scientologists after a psychotic break. Apparently, vitamins and herbal concoctions did not cure her.

I also suggest that anyone who is interested read the online book the Bare-Faced Messiah, a biography of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology.

It goes without saying that we all (Tom Cruise included)have the right to hold any beliefs we wish, and to express them. However, when those beliefs are presented as fact in an arrogant and irresponsible way, I feel we should investigate exactly where such opinions are coming from.

>>Did you know that per testing, most children
>>who are so-called �ADD� or �hyperactive�
>>simply have a much higher IQ then the other
>>children in class. Yes. This is true per
>>my 15 years of research.

It's important that we have references to the research you are basing your theories on; peer reviewed journals have more credibility than personal observations. Since several of the children with ADD or ADHD I have met were born with Down syndrome, I'm not sure how they would fit into your subject pool.

I believe that medications that are effective treatments are valuable until a cure for any condition that challenges children is found.

ADD and ADHD can effect children at all levels of IQ and ability. We want them to have the best chances and opportunities to reach their potential, without medical intervention, without any prescription medication or concoction, without being humiliated, threatened or feeling terrible about themselves. But when what we want for them does not seem possible, we look for what will help them. We do it one child at a time.

I would suggest that anyone who feels swayed by the arguments given by Tom Cruise should get a second opinion from a medical professional who is trustworthy and well respected in his field. Any parent who decides against continuing their child's medication should consult a doctor about the safest way to to stop, usually gradually over a period of time.

No matter how fast and furious the arguments grow, we are not so far apart in wanting the best for our children and one another.

Pamela W
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/specialneedschildren

While Tom Cruise has the right to an opinion, he crossed the line when he started trashing someone personally.

My opnions about Scientology aside, Cruise didn't so himself, or his church, any favors by going on the offensive.

I am still very surprised that actor Tom Cruise publicly lambasted actress and author Brook Shields for taking Paxil for her postpartum depression. Just reading the posts here tells me that women who have suffered from this have given much thought to Cruise's abrasive and hurtful comments. I am surprised that he would speak out so vehemently on an issue he probably knows little about, certainly he has not experienced postpartum depression. I am hopeful that his soon-to-be wife will not suffer from this condition if and when the pair is blessed with children.

While I do respect everyone's right to speak out. I also believe that you have to be aware of how and when you do so. I have no children so I can't address this issue from a mother's view point. But I do know that you don't have to be a mother or a woman to be offended by Tom Cruise's careless remarks or his behavior.

V~