Another Appeal.

[beam me up scottie]

We are still getting bogged down again by anti-vax propaganda. The same data (and by data I mean opinions) is posted over and over again here and in other medical forums. When asked for citations, they cite their original conclusion as if it was a legitimate source.

They are betting that the average poster won't click on their linkies and will jump to the same conclusions because, after all, it all looks so scientificky.

Expecting paranoid conspiroids to argue their case using logic is like asking George Bush to pronounce the word 'nuclear'.

Perhaps just posting some verifiable data in the vaccine threads and ignoring the personal attacks and hyperbole will allow us to regain some sanity.

The Health forum has morphed into Dungeon II: The Sequel.

[cosmik debris]

1. I'm not sure I agree with that.

Science is not going to sway anyone in that crowd.

In my opinion the best way to deal with them is mockery and ridicule.

But that's just me.

[beam me up scottie]

2. Oh, I'll be doing that too.

I'm hoping the Truthiness Faction will go back to posting in the dungeon soon.

Mock at will!

[Warpy]

3. You're right that we're not going to teach a howler monkey

how to read and understand scientific data. However, before we launch into well deserved ridicule, it's incumbent upon us to point out why they are howler monkeys.

In other words, post the truth and fire away.

[TZ]

4. I told BMUS this last night

There is a spammer who I found in GD making the exact same nonsensical argument about "faith based science" that I first found about a year ago not long after I joined..Amazing. At least they are consistent.

[cosmik debris]

5. When they posted an argument

You, BMUS, Dave, trotsky and others posted truth.

When they resorted to diatribe, you, BMUS, Dave, trotsky and others posted truth.

Now their posts have become a parody of both argument and diatribe.

You are certainly welcome to continue posting the truth, but the track record for that is pretty dismal.

[beam me up scottie]

6. Yeah, it's up to everyone to choose their own course.

I give respect to people who have earned it.

As far as the others are concerned,

[Warpy]

7. Oh, you've mistaken my post.

I admitted there is nothing you can do to educate a howler monkey.

However, other people read those boards. I post for them, not the screamers.

Howler monkeys are incapable of doing anything but howling to the rest of the group.

[beam me up scottie]

8. The perfect balance.

Hard to find and changes as each thread evolves.

I'm going to try just using short quips.

Of course I say that NOW but I know what's going to happen...it's inevitable.

[cosmik debris]

9. sorry, I was looking at the wrong track.

There is still a chance to influence some people and I encourage you to try your damnedest.

Since I'm less familiar with the necessary facts I will leave that to the more capable posters.

[trotsky]

10. Well, I tell you what...

this latest go-round has taken a lot out of me. They've gone nuclear and aren't even pretending to listen anymore. Just non-stop bashing.

[beam me up scottie]

11. I hear you, buddy. I just logged back in and

I'm actually afraid to go in there.

But if I don't, they win.

No chance admin would consider banning pseudo-science and woo-ology like they did in the Science forum, it's way too much work for the mods.

[trotsky]

12. I was very encouraged by the results of my poll though.

28 in full support of vaccination
1 mostly in support
4 Luddites
3 Other (mixed, I'm guessing)

I'll be generous and say that 1 of the other is in favor of vaccination, 2 aren't.

So that makes 30 pro, 6 con.

I can name the 6, so they obviously aren't convincing ANYONE, which is delightful!

[beam me up scottie]

13. I just saw that, very surprising.

And encouraging.

Either rationality triumphed or the original dungeon must be busy.

[TZ]

14. I feel dirty

I just tipped my toes in there (and there is yet another anti-gardasil rant about how someone was paralyzed and it MUST be the vaccine).
IF I hear one more person talk about the LONG TERM EFFECTS OF A VACCINE I'm gonna blow! Its not a chemical that doesn't go away.
God that really pisses me off how many people don't even know what a vaccine and antibody response is!
I think my health forum vacation for my health will resume.
Seiously that place makes me feel like my synapses are melting...

[beam me up scottie]

15. Maybe you could start a thread in here about vaccination myths

That way you won't have to check your snark and worry about your posts being deleted.

We don't want to see you kicked out of any forums, we need ya too much.

Just remember, don't mention any names or post any links targeting certain posters, simply copy or rewrite the myth and explain why it's wrong.


oh, and when you feel it's worthy, you could post it in the Health forum. With citations, we could even use it as a reference point.

[TZ]

16. I've actually done it

From my journal;
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=222x20241

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x902110

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=222x20184

I also have a much better info pamphlet, but the site is down at the moment...I'll probably post that link later in health as a reminder.

[beam me up scottie]

17. Ah, that went well I see.

I need to shower now.

The amount of hypocrisy, like the ignorance, coming from anti-vaxoids is staggering.

[onager]

18. In LBN right now...

The Usual Suspects show up, with their usual crackpottery. Have fun!

U.S. measles cases at 12-year high

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3448907#3448941

(I read the anti-vac/Big Pharma threads but don't usually post because I'm, well, almost completly ignorant on the subject. One more ignorant person spouting off is the LAST thing these threads usually need, so I generally stay quiet, unless I can provide Immoral Support. I do appreciate the efforts of everyone fighting the good fight in these free-for-alls, though. Even I have learned something.)

[beam me up scottie]

19. Wow.

The pro-science people have got that covered. Damn! I wish more of them would come into the Health forum.

Yeah, I'm a lay person too, but what they're spouting is just the same recycled paranoia you see about the moon landing, chem trails, crop circles, etc.

They even link to the same conspiracy websites.

[cosmik debris]

20. That's just sad

I had to stop reading when one poster compared vaccination to implanting GPS tracking ID chips.

Must be a regular repeat customer at "Lobotomies-R-Us"

[lizerdbits]

21. LOL

'Herbs probably have the same effectiveness against polio and smallpox as flagellation.' :rofl:

[semillama]

22. Is it just me, or has DU lately been infected with the Woobonic Plague? n/t

[LeftishBrit]

23. Now now, you're just saying that...

so that Merck has an excuse to create an eeeeeeeeeeeeevil mercury-filled vaccine against Woobonic Plague!

[semillama]

25. Damn, am I that transparent?

Well, there goes my Christmas bonus!

[salvorhardin]

24. Heavy chemtrail coverage

Sorry, the boys in atmospherics have been trying to spend down their budget so they claim they need an increase. We'll have to up the levels of fluoride in the water to compensate.

[beam me up scottie]

26. Things must be slow in the Dungeon.

Same cast of characters, same paranoia-fueled diatribes, all they have to do is substitute Merck for The BFEE.