As you probably know, the IDSA kicked CALDA and IGeneX out of its
exhibit hall after accepting our applications to have vendor booths (and
paying our money).
Patients in San Diego have organized a Walk (not a Protest, San Diego
police don't like protests) and vigil right outside the convention
center during the meeting.

IDSA has now helped us to publicize this event inside the convention
center by enclosing the following in the packets being given to attendees.

> IDSA
>
> Re: Possible Picket Line at IDSA Annual Meeting
>
> Dear IDSA Attendee:
>
> The Society has learned that there may be protests at this year's
> Annual Meeting organized by groups who disagree with the
> recommendations regarding the use of long-term antibiotics made in
> IDSA's clinical practice guidelines on Lyme disease.
>
> The Society is working with the San Diego Convention Center and
local
> authorities to ensure that any demonstrations are peaceful, safe
and
> comply with federal and local laws. Please be advised that the
> groups have a right to peacefully demonstrate in front of the
> Convention Center. However, they are not permitted to block
traffic,
> interfere with attendees' ability to enter or leave the building,
or
> enter the building themselves. Only individuals who register for
the
> Annual Meeting are permitted inside the Convention Center.
>
> IDSA's top priority is to ensure that participants in the Annual
> Meeting have a safe environment in which to learn and share
knowledge
> with colleagues. If you have any concerns related to the
> demonstrations, please notify the IDSA Membership Desk in the
> Registration Area of the Hall D Lobby. If you are approached by a
> reporter, please direct them to Shelbi Ladd in the IDSA Newsroom in
> room 22 of the Convention Center (619-525-6704)
.
>
> We are deeply sympathetic to patients who experience pain that they
> attribute to Lyme disease and who are in need of appropriate
medical
> attention and care. However, in the absence of evidence to
indicate
> that patients' symptoms are caused by persistent infection with
> Borrelia burgdorferi, IDSA cannot recommend extended antibiotic
> therapy. The scientific evidence indicates that it is unsafe and
> ineffective. We recognize that science constantly evolves and we
> remain open to new evidence. In addition, IDSA is an advocate for
> more research about Lyme disease, its long-term effects, its
> therapies, and prevention.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> (signature)
>
> Henry Masur, MD, FIDSA
> President, Infectious Diseases Society of America