McCain gets something right for a change; media goes ballistic

Recently the federal government finally conceded there was a link between autism and a preservative used in childhood vaccines. The link between thimerosal and autism had long been denied by the government, but evidence of it was strong enough that the preservative was mostly phased out. However, even after it was eliminated from most vaccines, supplies of thimerosal-laden shots were allowed to be used until they ran out, which didn't happen until at least last year (and may still be happening). In fact, some vaccines (such as for diphtheria and 80% of flu vaccines) still contain thimerosal.

In admitting the link, doctors who worked for the government "concluded that compensation is appropriate" for children whose autism or similar symptoms appeared just after they got their vaccines. A spike in autism cases has also occurred in other countries after they began using thimerosal in their vaccines. (Aspartame, an ingredient in sugar-free foods, has been another factor.)

Recently, John McCain - responding to a question from a parent who asked about the compensation for children with autism - correctly stated that there's powerful evidence that thimerosal causes autism. The senator said it's "indisputable" that autism rates are rising and "there's strong evidence that indicates that it's got to do with a preservative in vaccines."

The media just about went bonkers! The pop-up media has usually downplayed the autism/thimerosal link, for Big Medicine has insisted the chemical is safe. When McCain actually sided against Big Medicine's dogma, media talking heads fell over themselves to defend thimerosal. (McCain's stance is unusual for a Republican, as the GOP has done little to stem this toxin. The despicable Bill Frist even tried to pass a law protecting drug companies from thimerosal lawsuits.) Some of the dinosaur press's assertions in favor of thimerosal are simply wrong - such as the claim that the preservative is no longer used at all. Regulars of right-wing extremist site Free Republic have also blasted McCain on this, calling him a "scientism kool aid drinker."

Don't get me wrong: The media is usually pretty positive towards McCain, because they've conceded that the GOP nominee isn't Bill Owens like they wanted. But just not this time, because the media always sides with makers of dangerous chemicals.

Despite all this, I'm still not voting for McCain just because he's right about one thing for a change. But you get the idea. I'm also not condemning vaccines in general - just a toxic chemical that continues to plague America's vaccine supply (albeit in smaller amounts than a few years ago).

Denial of the thimerosal/autism association is similar to Freepers' denial of climate change. The media and Free Republic place the corporate drug lords' dogma over science - endangering the safety of who knows how many people.

Let's make vaccines safe again by taking poisonous chemicals out of circulation.

(Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/government-concedes-vacci_b_88323.html)