Is swine flu a red herring to get peoples' attention away from the torture info releases?

[bulloney]

I mean, really. This has been the lead story among the MSM gerbils for three days now. The number of cases has been relatively small. The number of fatal cases even smaller. But you'd think it's akin to the 1918 flu epidemic that killed tens of millions of people.

But you know what? By talking about this, we not talking about Bush and his henchmen authorizing torture on Muslims and the criminal charges that could result.

Maybe it's just me, but I've become very cynical toward the MSM gerbils and the way they have been carrying water for the Republicans for the past several years. It just seems like a logical extension of that behavior.

[Zywiec]

1. Karl Rove is responsible for this...

:crazy:

[Dennis Donovan]

3. He DOES resemble a swine...

;)

[Dennis Donovan]

2. No.

[annabanana]

4. not really. . but the volume of the hype is convenient for them. . n/t

[bluebellbaby]

5. I keep thinking the same thing!

Hopefully the American people will get back on target...

[MercutioATC]

6. How many people do you think the 1918 flu killed in its first week?

We should wait to see if hundreds of thousands die before it's news?

This strain has the potential to be the next influenza pandemic..for a variety of reasons that set it apart from most influenza viruses we see. I think that deserves some media coverage.

[GCP]

9. Exactly

Well said.

[lamp_shade]

7. Not... it's not.

[cali]

8. it's not just you, but no.

of course the media is exploiting this. Sensationalism is the name of their game. And as long as scientists all over the world are voicing their concerns about this outbreak, I'll listen. It's stupid to go with CTs over sciene.

[Control-Z]

10. Reach much??

It's a flu virus. People are sick and dying. It is being spread to the US and worldwide. We'll all be lucky if the precautions and preparations prevent a pandemic.

I suppose part of the plan was to start it in Mexico to kill Obama? Then have it spread here, sparing only republicans? Pu-leese.

We're damn lucky the CDC and WHO aren't as cynical as you.

[sufrommich]

11. Shit happens that has nothing to do with the MSM, Obama,Bush

Iraq,Al Queda,etc. What is with this weird belief some seem to have that the world revolves around us and our political world?

[Rebubula]

12. Sometimes...

...I just cannot come up with the proper words for some things that are posted here.

Dude...the republicans are not that fucking powerful...this is a deadly flu virus that has killed 100 so far and is spreading throughout much of the Americas.

Sometimes paranoia really makes someone look kooky....

[TorchTheWitch]

13. And the torture news kicked the financial news off the front page

What's your point? That's how news works... the newest big story eclipses everything else until the next big story comes along. This flu may indeed become as bad as the 1918 epidemic for a variety of reasons which is why it's big news at the moment. Besides, the torture news isn't gone... it was the major story on Meet the Press early this morning and there's still plenty of articles about it. It just is no longer "the big new story" anymore which is appropriate because it is no longer a "new" story. When the photos come out in a month, you can bet it will be back on the front page again because then that with be "the new big story".

People complained about the torture news bumping the financial news off the front page for the same reason some are now complaining the flu story is now "the big new story", too. I'm actually more surprised the torture news became news at ALL and it's even often discussed actually using the word "torture" rather than "harsh tactics" or "enhanced interrogation techniques". It's gotten FAR more press and FAR more appropriate press since Obama took office than when the torture news first came out years ago.

[stray cat]

14. No - its an new flu combination suspected to cause pandemics but that tentatively

looks like its not nearly as bad as it could be

[cobalt1999]

15. No.

The world can have more than one thing going on at a time. :eyes:

[surrealAmerican]

16. This is what is known as a serious case of ...

... your tinfoil hat slipping over your eyes. There is no conspiracy here. Viruses don't care what's on the news.

[BlooInBloo]

17. Gawd the conspiracies DUers make up are sofa king stupid sometimes.

[endarkenment]

18. No it is a virus, not a herring. It might be red. nt.

[a la izquierda]

19. A friend of mine bought right into it.

I got an email last night asking if I'd come into contact with anyone from Mexico recently. He said he did not want to be around any of us in our department who have regular contact with Mexicans (note, he is absolutely NOT a bigot in any way). He's just flipping out. I told him that yes, in fact I had a dinner with several colleagues the other night: one of them was a Professor from the Yucatan. I do not feel ill, but nevertheless, my buddy still doesn't want anything to do with me...or three of our professors and two other classmates.

Ugh. Give me a small break. I'm leaving for Mexico in a few weeks...just not to Mexico City.

[Dappleganger]

20. No, I'm pretty sure that the WHO and CDC are pretty damn sure

that there are a lot of sick people and a few dead ones.
Not a fluke.

[Rhiannon12866]

22. I agree and it's only common sense to put precautions in place.

I saw a documentary on the 1918 flu epidemic (my grandmother had it in her youth, but fortunately recovered...) and it was absolutely terrifying. Lets hope that we've learned enough over the years to protect the population and to keep it from spreading. I do think, however, that the MSM is encouraging a panic. They need to do more reporting on the what is being done to prevent and control an epidemic. People need facts, not hype. :scared:

BTW, love your sig! It's cool that your dogs are Obama supporters. My pup is pretty young, but I'm starting him early. He watches "Countdown" with me, but I have to provide snacks... ;) :hi:

[KharmaTrain]

21. Flu Goes Away...Torture Doesn't

While the corporate media may have this trouble, many of us can walk and chew gum at the same time. We're not fazed by the "flavor of the moment". If anything, if the corporate media is absorbed by it, it means they're neglecting doing other things...and more the reason to make noise and keep important stories, like investigating systemtic torture very much alive. It's not going away...no matter how bad the flu is, or how many dead blondes the corporate media can conjur up or all the right wing talking points. People want to know the truth...they want justice as well.