Here is David Skidmore's response to me (see another post). It includes a address you can use to send him your feelings about "Lyme Loonies" as a title and the book cover cartoon.
[From David Skidmore in response to my e-mail - see other post]
"Trust me when after four years of doing these cartoons I am not offended nor upset that I rattle some chains out there.
I have learned from the start that Lyme loonies, the name given to us or what we we're called By Dr. Philip Baker caused some controversy, but that said, one of the most famous LLMD's said some people just don't have a sense of humor.
Nor do they understand the irony in using this name almost against the establishment or in particular, Dr. Baker.
I wanted to let he and his cronies know every time they saw Lyme loonies that the Lyme community, or some of us as sick as we are still have a sense of humor despite their treatment, or lack of. I kind of wanted to show them that we are stronger and not going to be put down by their name calling.
I've concluded that some will get it, and some will not.
It has been my honor to make and continue to make any one who wants to get a laugh with a Lyme cartoon and or political statement.
You can't please everyone.
Thanks so much for writing to me and trying to make a statement about Lyme loonies. One thing for sure, it is and I dare say, the only cartoon book out there on Lyme!!
Again, thanks for reaching out. If you would like me to answer these guy's in my own words as I've done above I will do so or anyone can write to
As an aside, few know this yet as the book has yet to actually be on sale, but I have gotten endorsements from Eva Sapi, Holly Ahern, (Close to home) Cartoonist and Lyme patient, John McPherson, Mary Beth Pheiffer (famous journalist for Lyme disease) and many more.
One more thing these people should know, I did 800 limited edition prints of some of the cartoons for ILADS to raise money, I have never charged a dime in the four years of contributions.
Thank you,
Dave Skidmore"
Posted by beaches (Member # 38251) on :
Mr. Skidmore clearly does not understand the magnitude of the points that were mentioned in the original post.
He "doesn't mind rattling some chains?" Whose chains does he think he is rattling? Does he think any IDSA doctor even cares? They would be thrilled to see such a mockery, because it fits in perfectly with their dogma.
The only chains Mr. Skidmore is rattling are those who are sick with this awful disease, many of whom have been battling it two or three times, or more, than he has. Perhaps in time he will become enlightened with the same perspective and realize how offensive his book and his defense if it are.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
I could accept this title if the forward to the book explained where it came from, so as to reveal Phil Baker for the monster he is.
Posted by A.G. (Member # 44713) on :
I love his cartoons. However, the cover is pretty bad.
What about: "Lyme Loonies?!?!" Or "Lyme Loonies?" something that lets the lyme illiterate know that it's not a fact.
The pic does a disservice to us. It's not funny nor sarcastic. It's hurtful.
Posted by Ann-Ohio (Member # 44364) on :
Those are a couple of useful alternative titles. A.G.
I hope you will send those to David.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
"Lyme Loonies??" .. (subtitle).. "I don't think so!"
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Asking?
That's letting others decide whether we are, or are not. They get all the power when handed that question.
Still, the brain science of the split second exposure is that only the image and key words are taken into the brain . . . and lodge.
Just as the literal brain does not interpret "not" but goes right the to words it can PICTURE (say to yourself "don't spill the coffee" and all the brain gets is instruction to "spill coffee"), the brain is not going to interpret punctuation marks in a split second. -
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Beaches - you said much of what I was thinking.
I couldn't get past the title so would likely never buy or read the book -
Miriam Webster
Full Definition of LOONY : crazy, foolish
I have an intact sense of humor but I don't find the title or book cover funny.
I'm afraid the packaging of this book will cause some unknown percentage of it's intended audience to dismiss the book as I did.
Terry
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Looking at your Campbell quote, Terry, and thinking that the life I planned was a whole lot better than the one that was waiting for me, after the tickbite.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Poppy,
Yes, same here but if all I do is lament about the loss of the life I was planning then I won't/can't make the best of the life I have.
I was pretty angry for a long time but had to let that go to make room for whatever happiness and contentment I could attain given my situation. Much better quality of life now.
Terry
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I won't be buying it.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I looked at the cartoons on the facebook page. Some of them are pretty funny, and I laughed. Gotta admit, I think I and others have found ourselves in some funny situations re Lyme - often humor is the contrast between what is expected and what happens. So my wish would be for a less offensive cover pic.