Bad news for liars, good news for kids

State's autism rises despite vaccine change

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Autism cases in California continued
to climb even after a mercury-rich vaccine preservative that some
people blame for the neurological disorder was removed from routine
childhood shots, a new study found.

Researchers from the state Department of Public Health found the
autism rate in children rose continuously during the 12-year study
period from 1995 to 2007. The preservative thimerosal hasn't been used
in childhood vaccines since 2001, but is used in some flu shots.

Doctors say the latest study adds to existing evidence refuting a link
between thimerosal exposure and autism risk and should reassure
parents that the disorder is not caused by vaccinations. If there was
a risk, they said, autism rates should have dropped between 2004 and
2007.

....

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/01/07....ap/index.html

Another take on it at:

Mercury-vaccine link to autism disproven: study

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A new study provides more proof that childhood
vaccines with mercury as a preservative -- no longer on the market --
did not cause autism, researchers reported on Monday.

The findings came from a look at children diagnosed with autism in
California from 1995 to 2007. It found that the number of autism cases
continued to rise through that period even though the preservative
thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury -- was
removed from most vaccines in 2001.

....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080107/...cinations_dc_1

And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

--
Peter Bowditch aa #2243
The Millenium Project http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles
Australian Council Against Health Fraud http://www.acahf.org.au
Australian Skeptics http://www.skeptics.com.au
To email me use my first name only at ratbags.com

On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip


And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.


--
Peter Bowditch aa #2243
The Millenium Projecthttp://www.ratbags.com/rsoles
Australian Council Against Health Fraudhttp://www.acahf.org.au
Australian Skepticshttp://www.skeptics.com.au
To email me use my first name only at ratbags.com

"Mark" wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip


And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.

Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our homes
and fly our planes.

What we can fault some for is the arrogant assurance that their own
half-baked medical beliefs are undoubtedly correct and their refusal to even
look at overwhelmingly contrary evidence. The thiomerosal-autism things is
only the latest of many dearly held alt theories that have been proved
wrong, but that doesn't seem to register either..

PM

"Peter Moran" wrote in message
...
"Mark" wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip


And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.

Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our
homes
and fly our planes.

But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves. They are taught to defer to "experts" and "reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.
People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.



What we can fault some for is the arrogant assurance that their own
half-baked medical beliefs are undoubtedly correct and their refusal to
even
look at overwhelmingly contrary evidence. The thiomerosal-autism things
is
only the latest of many dearly held alt theories that have been proved
wrong, but that doesn't seem to register either..

I haven't got "arrogant assurance", what I've got is reasoned belief rather
than taking at face value everything from "experts" and "reliable sources"
who are, either wittingly or unwittingly, serving the interests of various
cartels, where science is twisted and incomplete with all concept of the
ether being removed.
In a world where knowledge is power, they prefer to keep the people in the
dark -- so much easier to control that way.

Carole
www.cellsalts.net


PM

Carole wrote:
"Peter Moran" wrote in message
...
"Mark" wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change
snip

And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).
Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.
Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our
homes
and fly our planes.

But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves.

Bull****. Everyone one of your posts, as stupid as they are, are proof
that you, and everyone else is "allowed" to think for themselves.

If there was any form of "thought control" websites such as Whale.to,
Newstarget, and their ilk, would not exist. By their very presence and
accessibility by anyone with a computer proves that there is no thought
control.


They are taught to defer to "experts" and "reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.

No one is taught that in any school I am familiar with. Listen to
experts, people who have studied and researched subjects, and do your
own research.

If you reject all experts, then the next time you fly in an airplane,
ask the guy sitting next to you to replace the pilot, since pilots are
experts in flying planes.

People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.

When facts are short, use a conspiracy to fill the void (between the ears).



What we can fault some for is the arrogant assurance that their own
half-baked medical beliefs are undoubtedly correct and their refusal to
even
look at overwhelmingly contrary evidence. The thiomerosal-autism things
is
only the latest of many dearly held alt theories that have been proved
wrong, but that doesn't seem to register either..

I haven't got "arrogant assurance", what I've got is reasoned belief rather
than taking at face value everything from "experts" and "reliable sources"
who are, either wittingly or unwittingly, serving the interests of various
cartels, where science is twisted and incomplete with all concept of the
ether being removed.
In a world where knowledge is power, they prefer to keep the people in the
dark -- so much easier to control that way.

See above. You do have arrogant assurance. There is a "vaccine" for it.

"Mark Probert" wrote in message
news:JlKgj.1888$xA6.78@trndny09...



But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves.

Bull****. Everyone one of your posts, as stupid as they are, are proof
that you, and everyone else is "allowed" to think for themselves.

If there was any form of "thought control" websites such as Whale.to,
Newstarget, and their ilk, would not exist. By their very presence and
accessibility by anyone with a computer proves that there is no thought
control.


They are taught to defer to "experts" and "reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.

No one is taught that in any school I am familiar with. Listen to
experts, people who have studied and researched subjects, and do your
own research.

If you reject all experts, then the next time you fly in an airplane,
ask the guy sitting next to you to replace the pilot, since pilots are
experts in flying planes.

People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always
right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.

When facts are short, use a conspiracy to fill the void (between the
ears).

Conspiracies do exist and go on regularly in business. Every meeting behind
closed doors, every strategy worked out to beat the opposition, or sell a
product that people don't really need could be called a conspiracy.
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous people in this world, and many of
them are very ambitious and will use any means to get ahead, fair or foul.

Don't you believe it?
Explain why do you think business is all above board, and why there aren't
deceptions going on that the public isn't generally aware.


Carole
www.cellsalts.net

"Carole" wrote in message
...

"Peter Moran" wrote in message
...
"Mark" wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip


And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.

Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why
we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our
homes
and fly our planes.

But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves. They are taught to defer to "experts" and "reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.

I cannot agree that this is so. Most societies work hard at having a
well-educated population. And the wise person does understand their own
limitations. When I have a urological or orthopoedic problem I defer to
experts in those fields.

People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.

That is true, but it applies equally (at minimum) to those pushing
alternative theories and products (including yourself). Whence the
assumption that they can be trusted ? Any decision still has to be based
upon the available evidence, and if you dismiss the evidence of one side as
always tainted you are simply responding to your own biases. Mostly
alt.med is the leavings of the mainstream, theories that have been well
tried out and found wanting. Do you ever take the pains to try and
understand why they have been dropped?



What we can fault some for is the arrogant assurance that their own
half-baked medical beliefs are undoubtedly correct and their refusal to
even
look at overwhelmingly contrary evidence. The thiomerosal-autism things
is
only the latest of many dearly held alt theories that have been proved
wrong, but that doesn't seem to register either..

I haven't got "arrogant assurance", what I've got is reasoned belief
rather
than taking at face value everything from "experts" and "reliable sources"

But you are taking heaps of matters "at face value" about cell salts.
Science offers you ways of ensuring that making sure you are not fooling
yourself (meaning that the effects you think you observe are placebo-
related). The main difference between the mainstream and alternative
medicine lies therein.

PM



who are, either wittingly or unwittingly, serving the interests of various
cartels, where science is twisted and incomplete with all concept of the
ether being removed.
In a world where knowledge is power, they prefer to keep the people in the
dark -- so much easier to control that way.




Carole
www.cellsalts.net


PM

"Peter Moran" wrote in message
...
"Carole" wrote in message
...

"Peter Moran" wrote in message
...
"Mark" wrote in message

...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip


And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the
University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering
at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are
nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to
tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing
2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.

Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or
medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why
we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our
homes
and fly our planes.

But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves. They are taught to defer to "experts" and
"reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.

I cannot agree that this is so. Most societies work hard at having a
well-educated population. And the wise person does understand their own
limitations. When I have a urological or orthopoedic problem I defer to
experts in those fields.

I believe in education, the more the better.
However, what has happened today, in our society, is that education has been
hijacked by vested interests, same with research. All forms of science are
now corrupted. And the problem is that most of the educated ones just go
along with the system.


People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always
right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.

That is true, but it applies equally (at minimum) to those pushing
alternative theories and products (including yourself).

That is true, there are plenty is charlatans and misguided people in
alternative medicine.

Whence the
assumption that they can be trusted ? Any decision still has to be
based
upon the available evidence, and if you dismiss the evidence of one side
as
always tainted you are simply responding to your own biases. Mostly
alt.med is the leavings of the mainstream, theories that have been well
tried out and found wanting. Do you ever take the pains to try and
understand why they have been dropped?

The reason some alternative remedies are dropped isn't because they don't
work, but rather they don't fit the mindset of the ruling elite. Anything
that challenges their supremacy is a threat and put down.
Why would you assume that because therapies are dropped because they don't
work?




What we can fault some for is the arrogant assurance that their own
half-baked medical beliefs are undoubtedly correct and their refusal to
even
look at overwhelmingly contrary evidence. The thiomerosal-autism
things
is
only the latest of many dearly held alt theories that have been proved
wrong, but that doesn't seem to register either..

I haven't got "arrogant assurance", what I've got is reasoned belief
rather
than taking at face value everything from "experts" and "reliable
sources"

But you are taking heaps of matters "at face value" about cell salts.
Science offers you ways of ensuring that making sure you are not fooling
yourself (meaning that the effects you think you observe are placebo-
related). The main difference between the mainstream and alternative
medicine lies therein.

I don't cellsalts at face value. I've tried different alternative remedies,
but cellsalts delivers what it claims.
Also cellsalts are scientific. There are plenty of studies to show that
minerals are needed for vital functions and general wellbeing.
The difference between you and me is that if I feel a bit anxious I will
take calcium supplements, whereas you will take valium. If I get underarm
odour I will take silica tablets, but you will spray on some deodorant, etc.
Do you think that valium is an essential ingredient needed by the body, or
that underarm deodorant is anything but a coverup?

Carole
www.cellsalts.net



PM



who are, either wittingly or unwittingly, serving the interests of
various
cartels, where science is twisted and incomplete with all concept of the
ether being removed.
In a world where knowledge is power, they prefer to keep the people in
the
dark -- so much easier to control that way.




Carole
www.cellsalts.net


PM

"Carole" wrote in message
...

"Peter Moran" wrote in message
...
"Mark" wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip


And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.

Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why
we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our
homes
and fly our planes.

But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves. They are taught to defer to "experts" and "reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.

I cannot agree that this is so. Most societies work hard at having a
well-educated population. And the wise person does understand their own
limitations. When I have a urological or orthopoedic problem I defer to
experts in those fields.

People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.

That is true, but it applies equally (at minimum) to those pushing
alternative theories and products (including yourself). Whence the
assumption that they can be trusted ? Any decision still has to be based
upon the available evidence, and if you dismiss the evidence of one side as
always tainted you are simply responding to your own biases.

Alt.med is mostly alt.med is the leavings of the mainstream, theories that
have been well
tried out and found wanting. Do you ever take the pains to try and
understand why they have been dropped?



What we can fault some for is the arrogant assurance that their own
half-baked medical beliefs are undoubtedly correct and their refusal to
even
look at overwhelmingly contrary evidence. The thiomerosal-autism things
is
only the latest of many dearly held alt theories that have been proved
wrong, but that doesn't seem to register either..

I haven't got "arrogant assurance", what I've got is reasoned belief
rather
than taking at face value everything from "experts" and "reliable sources"

But you are taking heaps of matters "at face value" about cell salts.
Science offers you ways of ensuring that making sure you are not fooling
yourself (meaning that the effects you think you observe are actually
placebo- related). In fact that is the main difference between the
mainstream and alt.med --not allowing yourself to be fooled for long.

You are aware that everything and anything has been credited with healing
powers at some time in history? Ever wondered why that should be so, and
why no other field of science behaves this way?

PM



who are, either wittingly or unwittingly, serving the interests of various
cartels, where science is twisted and incomplete with all concept of the
ether being removed.
In a world where knowledge is power, they prefer to keep the people in the
dark -- so much easier to control that way.




Carole
www.cellsalts.net


PM

On Jan 8, 4:42 am, "Carole" wrote:
"Peter Moran" wrote in message

...



"Mark" wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 12:09 am, Peter Bowditch wrote:
State's autism rises despite vaccine change

snip

And yes, I know that the second story contains the idiotic statement
"thimerosal -- nearly half of which is made of ethylmercury". I can
only assume that the "journalist" studied chemistry at the University
of Kentucky (if at all).

Having earned my medical degree from the University of Kentucky (and
thankfully, never having encountered "Dr." Boyd Hayley), I can only
state the obvious: nutjobs can crawl out of the woodwork anywhere.
Aus has its Carole, Kentucky has its Boyd...even Costa Rica has its
[wipe the slime from my keyboard] Ilena, and Indiana, home of James
Dean, has its Jan.

None of this means that Kentucky, Indiana, Costa Rica or Australia
have lost all sensible thought. It just means that these places
tolerate the cranks and the "problem children" rather than just
stuffing them in a place where they would be relegated to jabbering at
each other ad nauseum...we're a compassionate bunch, I should say.

Let us celebrate our tolerance of those unfortunate enough to have
been born lacking the gene that codes for rational thought. Let us
pity these souls and take the high road. Surely, they are nincompoops
and aggressive asses...they can't help it. Somewhere along the
evolutionary line they missed the boat, the Good Ship Lolli-Sense.

They can't help what they are. I think the best course is to tolerate
their rants in much the same way an adult will watch a fit-throwing 2-
year-old bang his head on the floor: you aren't going to make me get
you another popsicle, and the sooner your head hurts, the sooner you
will realize it.

Yes, we much-maligned "naysayers" have earned a little triumphalism, I
think.

Most people don't need any depth of knowledge about science or medicine.
We can't blame them for that ---that is why we have scientists and why we
have doctors, just as we have other kinds of specialists to build our
homes
and fly our planes.

But the problem is the people become disempowered and aren't allowed to
think for themselves. They are taught to defer to "experts" and "reliable
sources" for everything which leaves them vulnerable.
People should think for themselves because the experts aren't always right
and often get used by vested interests to push for dubious purposes.


I disagree with your assertion that you have been "taught" to defer to
experts. I don't think you have been taught that which is precisely
the thing you and others lack: critical thinking skills. It may just
seem that the "experts" are among the few that possess these skills.
Critical thinking skills means, among other things, the ability to
understand that there is rarely a single unifying cause for a
homogeneous collection of effects:

-- All cancer is caused by the Chinese Liver Fluke
-- Aspartame causes blindness and impotence and ADHD and diabetes and
cancer (liver flukes notwithstanding) and arthritis and ... well, you
get my drift
-- All human ills are caused by wearing shoes (that's a new one on me)
-- etc.

snip

Mark, MD