Damian,
Thanks for your latest. I was waiting on getting a bit more info about the
programme before forwarding your details. I've got quite a few email addresses
on file. They wouldn't all reply (and in any case I don’t suppose they would
all be suitable) but if it's only to be a ten minute slot then I guess you
wouldn't have time for too many. I stay in touch with only a handful. To be
honest, I wonder what the silent majority has made of Salvia (if anything at
all). I’ll post a general notice on my web-site and I'll select a few to
send on your details to if you’re particularly interested in speaking to
people in your region. If you were looking for arguments to be made for Salvia
divinorum, I wouldn't mind contributing in some capacity; I feel as well
qualified as anyone. Of course, I would say that wouldn’t I, but my web-site
is an expression of my position, so that gives you an opportunity to
familiarise.
I have my reservations too. My opinion of the media, particularly in its
over all treatment of topics such as these, leaves a lot to be desired. Even
from areas where one might have hoped for higher standards of reporting,
serious coverage can be sadly lacking. For example, the Sunday Times article
(see Media Stories section). Thus you'll forgive me for this possible
over-reaction, but when you say of yourself, "I am anxious that the item
must not be one-sided", what do you mean? I need to understand what
'other-side' is being presented. For example, if the item is being presented
in the context "Should Salvia divinorum be banned?" rather than
simply "What is Salvia divinorum?" then that's something that I need
to consider.
Like I say, I take your willingness to try Salvia for yourself to be an
indication of your intent, so I'm reassured somewhat on that front. If your
first Salvia experience is imminent, then obviously I'd be interested in
hearing what you made of it (as soon as you're ready).
I'll leave it there for now. ~ R