Homer Simpson Knows Best

February 5, 2015.

Homer Simpson Quote "Alcohol, the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems".

Or is it beer?  Not sure, but I do applaud the wisdom.  Yesterday while tooling around, I listened to more NPR radio, and the topic was 'vaccines' and not being good with names I cannot exactly say who the expert was who discussed the dilemma facing the press over the past 10 years - to appear to be neutral the media engages in conversations that explore both sides of issues, and the expert said, interestingly, that gives rise to the following problem: a false legitimacy is given to opinions that have no merit at all.  The opposing view then continues to be quoted 'some experts say' which then ends up believed by some in the general public.  The measles outbreak is a direct result of repeating of misinformation that has been given credibility just by repeating misleading information.

I was reading "Scourge, The Once and Future Threat of Smallpox" by Jonathan B. Tucker, the story about  "Smallpox, the only infectious disease to have been eradicated," a book that follows the history of the disease and the WHO strategies to control a horror of horrors.  It is fascinating that our short term memories - collectively - are so impaired today that some high profile people make ridiculous statements and only prove the powerful effect of repeating erroneous information.  I am 61 years old,
I was given the smallpox vaccine, my kids did not need protection from this horrid 'scourge' indeed.
Are all Republicans younger than me?

Repeating false information over and over again, gives rise to believing that what has been stated is true, something that I experienced last year after the misleading information led to false accusations, which resulted in a year long problem for my husband.
The same sort of misinformation also applies to the debate 'free public health care is great'.  Everyone will benefit with universal care.  And so the cycle continues and misinformation is repeated and some people hear it and then they repeat it and we end up with a problem, and both viewpoints are discussed and people get elected because free sounds good, and history repeats itself and a regression occurs.

Time for a martini.  It is really hard to be jolly and happy when stupidity is all around.  Babies in Chicago, too young to be vaccinated!  Truly frustrating to see the states that are guilty in this fiasco - granting religious and personal exemptions.  People are so wired, I might make a double martini!