The headlines have been scary.
For example, the headline from the Telegraph says:
"Swine flu: 'All of humanity under threat', WHO warns"
That sounds extremely dire, indeed.
And every new case of swine flu is being treated as a breaking news alert.
However, the World Health Organization quote was taken out of context. And science actually paints a more reassuring picture.
punditman says...
In the last couple of days, Punditman has overheard several conversations in public about swine flu, demonstrating the contagion effect of ceaseless hoopla. One woman was talking about how she knew someone whose pandemic plan included heading for the cottage. A splendid idea—when pigs fly, that's when.
The media sure has given blanket coverage on this one. But is it "balanced"? Are all the right questions being asked? What is emphasized and what is not? Hey, what is that man behind the curtain doing while everyone is buying masks and Tamiflu? Wait, I thought I saw former US Defence Secretary Rumsfeld cashing in.
Count Punditman amongst those who think this is a classic example of hype, misinformation and manipulation. Until proven wrong.
