The Impossibility of Censorship in a Free Nation

Stupidity reveals itself. Dumb ideas gain no traction.

And even when dumb people latch on to a dumb idea, the quality of those people's thinking is clearly on display - dispelling smart people from the stupid idea like water from oil.

This is why implementing Hate Crimes legislation is criminally stupid: You cannot legislate people's intelligence, nor their beliefs. If you try, you will inevitably end up arresting your own mother because she called you a rotten child once while spanking you.

People say idiotic things routinely. Even the most oppressive of dictators understood that to criminalize common human behaviours, like stupidity or vulgarity, while desirable, would result in unmanageable bureaucracy.

This is because we are all stupid, at times.

We get angry; we say things we don't mean. Some people are flat-out stupid, always angry, and say foolish things that turn our stomachs. This is fine. Stupidity being what it is, its' display will only attract more stupids, which will in turn drive the intelligents away. This is the way it has worked since the dawn of free speech, and it has worked: Do you see any white supremacist groups with any sort of political or social influence whatsoever in this country? The answer is no. Ten or twelve drunken rednecks does not an existential threat make.

This is the illusion that the media can propagate forever: That we are under siege by Hate, by Terror, by Drugs. All they have to do is photograph some dumb kid's scratching of a swastika on a school desk, slap the headline "Hate Crimes On Rise" overtop of it, and have it on page 3 of any / all of their newspapers.

By feeding into the illusion of growing hatred, threat, and ever-present prejudice, and by using language tactfully, it is easy to erode the freedoms that have allowed Canadians to become as prosperous as we are. We are so susceptible to emotional triggers in language - who wouldn't support legislation that magically Stops Hate? - that we buy it hook, line and sinker. Just tell us it’s to stop hate, or to save a child, or to feed the hungry, and we'll sign up.

But we won't read the legislation, or look into it's flaws - that would just be cynical.

Stripped of all the spin and bullshit, here's what it comes down to:

Once you make it criminal to speak an opinion - even true stupidity, like racist philosophy - you criminalize any and all deviation of opinion from the 'norm' - which is a manufactured concept anyway.

If we cross the line and begin censoring our own citizens for voicing opinions, what comes next?

Do we criminalize active opposition and derision of politicians? Speaking in an inflammatory way could lead to violence, after all.

Do we criminalize the right to protest in anger? To raise your voice and speak a truth you have discovered? Because when you do so, you are certainly Hating - you are actively advocating the destruction of certain concepts or institutions. Sounds like a threat to me.

Do we criminalize anger itself? It's irrational, it's dangerous.

If spouting racist garbage is a threat to the functioning of our society, does it not follow that criticizing the government is a threat to the functioning of our society? Of course it does.

And if spouting racist garbage is NOT a threat to our society, then why are we trying to prosecute it - why are we literally arresting people for being stupid?

Are we arresting them because their views are distasteful?

If that is the case - let me get this straight - we are trying to legislate TASTE?

In that case, we'd better burn all alternative literature, all punk / hip hop / jazz / alternative / reggae / folk / country / rock and roll music, all works of art that could be considered subversive or, I mean, "promoting hate".

In this context, a writer like me - or Noam Chomsky, or Jeff Rense, or Naomi Klein, or Michael Moore, or Amy Goodman - people like us promote hate every day.

I hate injustice, oppression, flawed economic policy… I hate hypocrisy on display, I hate the actions of the politicians, I hate military and police aggression, I hate the suppression of human integrity through systematic isolation and conceptual imprisonment… sorry, where was I?

In a few short years, we have twisted the lens of fear to include not only the turban-wearing brown man, but also the ideological supporters…the truth-seekers…the journalists…the bloggers… the dissidents, the speakers, the writers…the activist punk-rocker, the veteran of the military, the community farmer.

In 9 years we have run the course of our new philosophy of War on Terror… our War on Hate Crimes… our War on Words, and by extension, concepts…

We have met the Enemy, and he is Us.

Big One

Here is a letter I just sent to an old friend who is presently working as an ER nurse in Seattle.

**********

check this out man...a quote from the article I sent you just now:

"The gene mutation CCR-5 Delta-32 is found mostly in white European populations, especially northern Europeans and Scandanavians, according to Gupta, who is on the staff of South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and served as chief of medicine in 2008.

“Those who have this gene mutation from both parents are completely resistant to most common forms of HIV infection. You can get tested for it if you wish,” he said.

“It is believed that this genetic mutation may have happened during long periods of small pox, plague and other pandemics that devastated European populations.”


Ok... have you done any deep reading on the origin of HIV? There is a ton of evidence that it originated as a side effect from a Polio vaccination campaign in Africa in the 50's. Here is a good resource:

http://www.uow.edu.au/~bmartin/dissent/documents/AIDS/

Now, furthering that theory, there is a growing group who feels that it was done on purpose - genetic engineering / eugenics, to attempt to control the growth and ethnicity of the human species.

Of course that's the type of thing that is impossible to prove...

BUT after reading that quote - notice how the doctor clearly states that the gene mutation that PROTECTS from HIV, completely if both parents provide it, is found mostly in white european and scandanavian peoples.

Holy fuck, eh?!

Update

They offered me severance.

The moral: write the letter.

Economics 101: Outsourced

Today I arrived at work to discover I had no job.

Suffice to say it was through no fault of my own - a couple of us got laid off.

Below is the letter I sent to the owner and senior staff of the company.

******************

John,

In the few short hours since my dismissal, Ive had the chance to think about a few things.

Firstly:

Why wasn't I given any notice?

I have been with this company for nearly a year - covering shifts whenever I was asked, taking on extra duties, being prompt and proactive in my job.

Did it not occur to you to let me know that I would be out of a job in the near future?

You make all your decisions with care, and I assume this one was no different. You knew that you were training someone to take my job.

Did you not tell me because the law says you dont have to because I'm part time...because I work 3 or 4 hours less per week than Deanna or Lori?

Maybe that is also why, in deciding not to give me any notice, you declined to have the decency to offer the standard 2 weeks severance?

Instead of treating me with the respect due not just a long-term employee of this company, but also an associate, and a fellow human being - you decided that I did not deserve that respect...

You didnt have to give it to me, by law, and in that case - why give it?

It's ironic that you mention 'economics' as the reason why I have been replaced, since you are directly contributing to the unraveling of the Canadian economy by exporting my job.

Were there other options? Of course there were - you are a smart enough guy to start this company and offer your employees the true Minimum Living Wage, something which really impressed me at the time.

Had you approached us, your long-term employees, and said 'unless we make some sacrifices, one of us will lose their job' - I personally would have gladly taken a reduction in pay rather than see my colleague lose their livelihood.

I would like to think that as a team, we all could have adjusted to financial realities within the organization without contributing to the problem by outsourcing jobs.

God forbid that the profit expectations of the company be aligned with some sort of loyalty to employees.

It would be interesting to know what your new Mexican employees are getting paid - did Geeks acquire 2 Mexicans for the price of 1 Canadian?

I know - it's impolite to speak about 'economic matters' in such a fashion.

When you wrote to me this morning John, you mentioned that you had tried to call me - since to lay me off over the phone would be "unprofessional".

Let me tell you - your conduct in this matter is the definition of unprofessional.

I thought we had a good relationship - we didn't know each other well, but I thought there was mutual respect at the very least.

I read your letter of reference, by the way, and summarily deleted it, although the piece of trash is still stuck to this email.

IT'S WRITTEN FOR A WOMAN. Take a look and see for yourself.

I cant imagine a more appropriate finale. Thanks for making me laugh, at least.

You will never get a reference call for me. After today, I would be embarrassed to associate myself with your company.

Very sincerely,

Nathan Munn

ps. In the interest of philosophy (which is what economics is - not a science), here is a quote reflecting the sick logic that I thought Geeks was above.

"If the world operates as one big market, every employee will compete with every person anywhere in the world who is capable of doing the same job. There are lots of them and many of them are hungry."

Andy Grove, former CEO, Intel Corp.

**********************

November 23, 2009

To Whom It May Concern,

I am happy to recommend Nathan Munn for employment at your company.

I had the pleasure of working with Nathan at Geeks On The Way where she was the Administrative Assistant in our head office. She was organized, efficient, punctual and possessing of excellent customer service skills. Because of the fast pace and sometimes cranky customers, her cooperative attitude and good cheer were important and appreciated. Although her primary duties were administrative, she assumed some bookkeeping duties as well.

Nathan deserves serious consideration as a potential employee, and I recommend her highly.

Sincerely,

John **********

Geeks On The Way

Chapter 1

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Deciphering Truth in Modern Media

Media refers to the varied mediums that we use to communicate with each other. Newspapers, Internet, grafitti, and TV are all types of media. They have differing qualities - for example, the Internet and grafitti are both interactive media, while newspapers and television are not - but they all allow us to talk to each other.

Depending on what information is disseminated through any given media, and more importantly how we as people interpret and analyze what we read or watch, we may find our perspective broadened or limited as a result of our media encounter. The individual may be unleashed to new possibilities or restrained to orthodoxy, simply by reading or hearing a few words.

This is an extremely powerful concept, and one well understood by tyrants and free thinkers since the dawn of discourse. Philosophers, shamen and witch doctors could be considered the first incarnation of the media concept, since they were expected to communicate great truths, knowledge, and glimpses of the future to their society. This is interesting because in modern society, a 'medium' most often refers to a psychic or mystic who ostensibly acts as a bridge between dimensions - not exactly the most respected of professions. But in fact, anyone who disseminates information in any way can be called a medium.

Today in 2010, we inhabit a world that is changing faster and more thoroughly than at any point in known human history. Communicative and physical barriers are being deconstructed in all areas of knowledge, and the sphere of Media is one of the areas most affected. The Internet has grown to resemble an external Collective Unconscious that reflects all there is to know about the world and ourselves in one beautiful, grotesque organism - one that we can enter and navigate as both sovereign and participatory minds.

In this environment, caution, interest and patience are the best qualities you can hope to possess; narrow-mindedness and fervour will not help you distinguish fact from fiction, and inference from certainty.

The key to compiling and deciphering the crumbs of truth found in the daily meal of deceptive language is twofold: The reader must develop a knowledge base and analytic style that is different from the learning methods promoted in mainstream educational institutions.

This means Reading - as much as possible, from as many diverse sources as possible, and about as diverse an array of subjects as possible. This will begin the process of freeing your unlimited conceptual powers, and will make integrating new and uncomfortable truths into your reality more exciting than unpleasant.

Once you have a basic and working knowledge of language, geopolitical history, world events, sociology, economics, all levels of government (including shadow / covert / elemental), industry and technology, agriculture and international commerce - only then do you become truly equipped to effectively interpret and examine truth in modern media.

This text acts as a simple guide to the mechanics used to design media content, and the relationships that define the contemporary media landscape. Cultivating a rich knowledge base with which to interpret Reality is up to the reader.

**************

In the hands of an expert, the subtle intricacies of language have the power to shape not only how we interpret information, but our emotional response to it as well.

Combined, these responses form a final impression upon us - one disguised as our own conclusion.

Let's look at two made-up headlines, both written in a style typical to mainstream journalism:

Cowardly attack leaves home destroyed, family dead

When Rashib Halla first heard the thunderous explosion, he suspected an earthquake; it seemed as if the whole world was shaking. But after running the two blocks from his apartment to his parents home to make sure they were all right, what he found was much worse. "They were all dead… The entire house was destroyed, with my mother, father, sister, and two brothers inside," he told XTV news. "I am the only one out of my whole family who is alive now." The explosion and resultant deaths have been attributed to a missile strike by occupation forces. Mr. Halla says that there would be no reason for his family home to be targeted. "Why? My family are peaceful people. We work. My father and brothers started a successful business. My sister, mother, what have they done? Now they are all gone, and for what?" Occupation forces in the area had no immediate comment.

Bunker assault a success

Several suspected terrorists were killed by coalition forces in a daring early-morning raid in Karbala, quashing fears that the insurgency has become increasingly adept at avoiding casualties. The operation began with a surgical strike on the target location by an Apache helicopter, which used a Defender missile to penetrate the thick concrete bunker. Immediately following the strike, a team of US marines performed a sweep-and-clear operation in the area, which led to the discovery of the bodies of 5 suspected insurgents. Asked how the Marines knew that these people were terrorists, Maj. Jim Buckley explained. "We had received solid information from local sources that there was a lot of activity in this particular area, a lot of 'chatter' as we say, and that led us to investigate deeper. It turns out there were weapons and supplies in the area, as well as sophisticated communications systems that could be used to trigger explosives or co-ordinate attacks on civilians or coalition forces. At that point we proceeded with the operation in order to neutralize the threat. " President Obama praised the ongoing efforts of the coalition forces to quell violence in Iraq. "It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. The coalition forces are working hard to keep ordinary Iraqis safe, and this operation is a good example of that."

**************

Both of these articles examine the same event, from opposite perspectives - let's say a local Iraqi newspaper and FOX News, respectively. Both articles use language that serves the underlying bias of the reporter/organization/government.

So how can we determine what the Truth is?

First of all, both of these articles are similar to mainstream media content in that they are short, succinct, and you find no sourced details about the event whatsoever. No quotes from medical or NGO personnel, no statements from local authorities, not even witness accounts. Knowing this, it is already clear that both articles are intended to provide you a conclusion about the event, rather than to supply you the facts and allow you to come to your own conclusions. The article tricks you into believing you are thinking, when you are really just absorbing.

Secondly, you have to separate the actual facts from the inferences and descriptions.

After reading both articles, what do we know for sure?

- A building was destroyed

- Some people in it were killed

- It was destroyed with a missile from an Apache chopper

How do we know these things for sure? Because both stories, regardless of bias, report the destruction of the building and the deaths. The only reason we know that it was a missile from a chopper - since the Iraqi paper just attributed the explosion to a chopper, meaning 'it had the attributes of', which is an uncertain statement - is because the military admits that it was a missile from a helicopter.

So, now we know a few things for sure. The next step would be to take some relevant details and form a search query to find other perspectives on the event.

Type the date into a search engine and add "missile" and "Karbala".

Let's say we come across another article on the event, found on a blog. We click the link and come to this:

ZIONIST JEWS SPILL BLOOD THRU U.S. PROXY IN IRAQ

Once again, the satanic and…

Well, that's all we needed to see there. Back to search results. Even if there may be relevant facts contained in the article, those facts can most likely be found somewhere else that doesn't proudly use inflammatory language and is obviously heavily biased.

Note: You will find a ton of heavily anti-Israel and anti-Zionist material in your modern media travels. You will also find a ton of extremely pro-Israel/Zionist material. What you choose to do with this information is entirely up to you; I find much of it to be agenda-driven garbage. That being said, Israel is undoubtedly an apartheid state involved in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine through starvation, house demolition, withholding of resources, kidnapping, assassination, illegal detention of minors, etc. That and many other well-documented scandals (espionage, false flag terror, Dimona nuclear facility, UN defiance) unquestionably have much to do with why there is so much anti-Israel sentiment in the alternative media as opposed to, say, anti-Costa Rica sentiment.

Let's say we click on another link, also a blog, and we find this:

U.S. missile strike kills 5 in Karbala - no evidence of provocation

KARBALA - An Apache helicopter piloted by US Marines fired a missile into a home in Karbala early this morning, killing all occupants and destroying the building.

Shimak Hallal, his wife Sabri Hallal, and their three children were known in the neighborhood as a hardworking, loving family, according to neighbor Mahfouz, who did not want his last name used for fear of retaliation by coalition forces.

Dr. Al Al-Awan at the Karbala General Hospital confirmed the deaths of the Hillal family. "All members of the Hallal family were killed by trauma from the initial explosion of the projectile, and also as a result of crushing by debris." The lone surviving member of the Halla family is Rashib Halla, 17, who recently moved into his own apartment down the street and was not present during the strike. He would not respond to requests for comment.

Coalition forces spokesperson Maj. Jim Buckley has said that intelligence sources indicated that terrorist activity was occurring in the area, and that a weapons cache was also located near the area. Several local witnesses claim there were no weapons found by the military.

-Naseem Al-Abouad, Jazarel Arabia News

Out of the three examples, this one is by far the most informative. It also uses the most balanced language of the three, and is hands down the most credible account thus far (at first glance).

First of all, the article is sourced to a name and a regional news network where the event took place. This means we could do a quick search and find his details, where their office is located, we could even send him an email or call to confirm details if we wanted to.

However, this in and of itself - clear reporter sourcing, large 'reputable' organization - does not necessarily mean that the article is without bias or distortion. In fact, you will discover that mainstream corporate media stories and articles are often the most deceptive and biased of all. This is because of the structures of capital flows, political affiliations, and vested interests of the corporations that bring us the news, which we will examine in detail in chapter 2.

Let's look at what this article has brought us.

- A detailed reporting of the event by a regional source, and a credited reporter

- Balanced yet direct language in the headline and main body, emphasizing fact while providing the necessary context for the reader to interpret ("no evidence of provocation")

This context, rooted in fact, is different from a claim made, for example "Al Qaeda suspected". This is because the claim in this case has no basis in fact (there is no reason, no evidence, to suspect Al Qaeda of anything in this case) while the context tells the truth: there was no evidence of provocation of the attack.

- Some, admittedly not all, names of the family members killed

- Very importantly, confirmation of deaths and cause, issued by a credited medical authority at a recognized hospital

- Also importantly, the article references the official statement made by coalition forces about the event. This rightfully helps deflect any accusation of anti-coalition bias on the part of the reporter / organization that generated the article.

- Lastly, survivor Rashid is also mentioned, confirming the earlier local report and adding to the accuracy of this portrayal of the event.

Now that we've seen some basic examples, let's look at how language was used to shape the perception of these events by the writers. The best way is line by line.

From the first article, the 'local Iraqi paper':

When Rashib Halla first heard the thunderous explosion, he suspected an earthquake; it seemed as if the whole world was shaking. But after running the two blocks from his apartment to his parents home to make sure they were all right, what he found was much worse.

Right away, we can feel the dramatic intent. 'Thunderous explosion', 'Suspected an earthquake', the 'whole world shaking' - this piece reads like Hollywood. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing; some great writers employ drama very effectively without distorting the truths of a story. However, the best journalism strives for humane impartiality while providing some illustrative context, and this is a little over the top for a news article. But it is not inaccurate.

Overanalysis: You would have to confirm that he did in fact suspect an earthquake for the reporters description to be considered factually true, however it would be pointless because what he did or didn’t suspect is irrelevant to the essence of the story. Even if the writer added that detail as a creative liberty, a lie, it would not affect the truths of the article as it is simply creative narrative. Writing is full of half truths and distortions that must be navigated, and untruths of this nature are common in journalism.

The second sentence finishes with another dramatic tool, the cliffhanger: "…what he found was much worse." Scary! The dramatic intent continues unabated.

Keeping this in mind, we read on, this time a quote:

"All my family were dead…" I'll abbreviate here, as the first line is the important part of the analysis.

In an instant, the protagonist of the article has all of our sympathy as the reader. In fact, he already had our sympathy, as the result of his earlier tribulation with the suspected earthquake and the 'then… much worse' that he had to deal with.

We've been with this guy from word one. Now, his whole family is dead? You could elect this guy president right now, if the reader were voting.

Maybe not that drastic - but we are rooting for him subconsciously whether we know it or not, as a direct result of the language used to describe him and the event.

The article continues on with the quote, and it is a fairly long quote. It is the emotional outpouring of a man whose entire family has just been killed, and it is heartbreaking. It is even more emotionally jarring if it is seen as video as opposed to being read. Seeing another human being suffer is a striking image for us, and affects us deeply.

Cynically, skilled navigators and architects of media recognize this and seek to trap us with subtle or overt emotional cues - language or image that causes a powerful emotional reaction in the recipient. These are the landmines of the media landscape, and they can destroy any hope of objectivity or open-mindedness about a situation if they aren't defused with calm analysis.

This long quote is an intended emotional cue - it is designed to make you feel for this man, to relate to his pain and suffering. It appeals to our basest fears: loss of loved ones, loneliness, and death.

This is the power of language. Good creativity is on display here, and what makes it good is that it is not inaccurate, and it is not distorted. It is human speaking to human, captured in a charged net of words that effectively transmit the intended emotional message in print. The writer here knew that to get the emotional impact he wanted for the story, he had to let the story speak itself in it's own devastated language; his external descriptions could never do what two or three teary, tormented sentences of the lone survivor could.

For all it's subtle qualities, this piece still clearly displays a sense of bias, although one that tends to the side of the human and the humane, which I personally do not find distasteful in journalism. I would like to think that we are all human, and humane, in our better moments.

Now let's examine the second article - the 'FOX News' style article, line by line.

Several suspected terrorists were killed by coalition forces in a daring early-morning raid in Karbala, quashing fears that the insurgency has become increasingly adept at avoiding casualties.

This opening sentence is nothing short of brilliant in its design. In the span of one sentence, the writer has managed to convey a semblance of an entire story - beginning, middle, end - with a supporting narrative so subtle that it reads like something you could say to your wife at the breakfast table. And that is exactly what the writer intended.

The first line sets the stage:

Several suspected terrorists were killed by coalition forces…
Immediately, we hear that 'we are winning'. That is what Joe Citizen will take out of this article, if nothing else: That we killed some terrorists this morning.

It is important to note that when used with an emotional trigger-word like "terrorist", the revealing word "suspected" is discarded by the mind as irrelevant. This is because when a concept that requires analysis - 'suspected' has a lot of possibility in it - is paired with a threat - 'terrorist' - the human mind automatically prioritizes the information, and to the mental survival mode, only the threat matters.

Even a slight change in language - say, to 'suspected insurgent' - significantly increases the chances of the reader pausing a moment to think, to analyze what he has just read.

This is because "Insurgent" is a relatively new word to the common lexicon of ordinary citizens. People feel a little bit smart when they say it, usually without knowing it. It's also a 'cool' word - like 'surge' - and these kinds of words are used to sell unpopular ideas to the public i.e. the Taxpayers who are on the hook for it. This is why "Troop Surge" - those specific words, not 'escalation' or 'expansion' of the war - was pushed so hard by the powers that be in the media sphere. It sounds like the latest Xbox title - Troop Surge III. Unless it's shrouded in deception, people don't like to hear about escalation of already unpopular wars.

So when the average reader reads Terrorist, it overpowers Suspected and the dead have now been tried, convicted and hung by the jury of the popular mind.

Now for the rest of the sentence.

… forces in a daring early-morning raid in Karbala, quashing fears that the insurgency has become increasingly adept at avoiding casualties.

This is the middle and summation segments of the sentence, neatly encapsulating the series of events in an overwhelmingly biased portrayal.

It is important for the first sentence of an article of this nature to be so complex because research shows that most people only read the first few lines of any article, necessitating the Pyramid model of journalistic writing that is standard worldwide.

The writer quickly paints the military soldiers - trained killers - in a light that endears them to the reader, with one effective word: "Daring", which implies valour, honour, sacrifice, adventure, even secondary associations like handsomeness and strength. The intent is to bedazzle the reader both with the strong mental associations of the word, and also to provide the reader the sensation of 'being there', along for the ride as democracy unfolds at the hands of our daring soldiers. This trick is accomplished by the subtle insert of 'early morning' before the clearly defined and associated word 'raid'.

Had the article simply read ...in a daring raid, the reader may not have been completely sold on the portrayal, because there is a bit of contradiction there. We as people associate the word 'raid' with swat teams and other invasion forces; black combat uniforms, masks and guns. Even a citizen who loves the police will experience subconscious stress from these images and associations.

So, another powerful trigger was needed, but this one the opposite of a landmine - rather, a de-fuser of potential emotional reactions that could serve to unravel the desired narrative.

The descriptive 'early morning' disarms the stress associations by implying a sense of intimacy. Early mornings are spent with lovers, spouses and only the closest of friends. In this sense we are induced to a place of dreamy peace in the midst of combat. There are also subtle secondary associations to rebirth and the conquering of evil - the rising of the sun to start a new day, and to ward off the night - concepts that touch us to our primal core.

The sentence finishes with a definitive statement: … quashing fears that the insurgency has become increasingly adept at avoiding casualties.

This conclusion simply states that all doubts of coalition supremacy were and are unfounded, and that there is no debating the subject. This is opinion stated as fact.

In a final clue, it also hints at the interesting language they use to describe "insurgents" or "terrorists". Look at the words adept and avoiding. These are powerful little words, snappy and snake-like, respectively. They are meant to imply cunning, stealth, intelligence, of an animal or unrefined kind. You will notice that much of the language used to describe an insurgency - depending on the current portrayal deemed to be necessary by the issuing powers - reflects these concepts. Asymmetrical, improvised, tactical, complex - all words used to define the conflict, and all intended to portray the insurgency as what the powers that be need it to be: A tough bunch of buggers, who we cant really figure out, and almost admire, like you would a wily dog that keeps getting up after you kick it to the ground. They need the insurgency to be seen as constant, never an actual threat to victory, and grudgingly respected from the military point of view.

While the narrative will vary according to what role the insurgency is needed to play in geopolitics at the time - usually, coverage of it acts as distraction from other, more relevant news - this thematic description of insurgency is fairly predictable.

In this particular piece, the intent of the article is clear after reading only one sentence, as per design, and that is to portray the coalition forces as dominating over the insurgency.

Let's dig a little deeper.

The operation began with a surgical strike on the target location by an Apache helicopter, which used a Defender missile to penetrate the thick concrete bunker. Immediately following the strike, a team of US marines performed a sweep-and-clear operation in the area, which led to the discovery of the bodies of 5 suspected insurgents.

Notice the language used in the first line. The raid has become an operation, and it began with a surgical strike. The use of medical language is no accident. The word 'operation' implies a precise, professionally executed, and very necessary event. People undergo operations to be repaired, or healed, and this is what the word is meant to imply here as well: we are 'healing' the situation (truthfully, killing people). This concept is expanded upon with 'surgical', which carries the notion of precision and necessity further.

One of the most important effects the medical terminology has on the reader is to grant a kind of immunity to the military machine doing the killing. "Operations" go wrong - surgeries fail, and patients die. Do we blame the doctor when this happens? Usually, no - we trust doctors. We expect that they have our best interests at heart, they do their best in all situations, and sometimes they cannot save a life.

This language is used to psychologically condition us to both sympathize with and dismiss criticism of actions undertaken by the military.

It is worth noting that throughout history, authoritarian regimes have routinely referred to their opponents as a 'cancer' or 'sickness' from which the nation must heal itself. Naomi Klein details this perversion of language well in her book The Shock Doctrine.

Now comes a concept that may be a little more familiar to the average reader: the Advertising section.

…on the target location with an Apache helicopter, which used a Defender missile to…

The modern military machine is no longer the simple state-maintained, green-painted workhorse that we identified with throughout the 20^th century. Now, the concepts of marketing, advertising and public relations affect all operational aspects of the military.

The military of today is the product of internal and external trade wars, market share wars, and propaganda wars as well as conventional conflict. The United States is far and away the world's biggest arms dealer, and like most corporate entities, it works hard to drum up sales for it's 'shareholders' - the private corps that work closely with Pentagon (DARPA) and DHS to create new technologies / products for the military to buy. After the military market has been saturated, these advanced technologies are then scaled down and repackaged for civilian consumption - Hummers, GPS, Tasers, Google Earth.

You can find good examples of overt corpo-military advertising and PR in publications like Jane's Defence, which regularly features full-page ads for companies like Lockheed-Martin and Raytheon, multibillion-dollar entities that make the bulk of their profit by selling technologically advanced weapons, aerospace and communications equipment to government clients - DOD, FBI, Air Force, etc. However this is not their only advertising route, nor is it the most effective.

For these manufacturers, there is no better advertisement than a demonstration of the product, in a context that excites the senses: War.

For example, remember Patriot missiles? Almost anyone over 25 does. Their use in the first Gulf War was massively publicized, in what was the first big 'roll-out' of new military hardware since the stealth bomber (which was also heavily used / advertised in the Gulf War).

In the current article, the new Patriot missile is the Defender missile - featuring an ironic name, like most of the real products have - and it was fired by the most widely known and feared / respected piece of military equipment the US has ever produced: the Apache helicopter.

These hidden ads operate the same way the example of "Troop Surge III" operates: It makes the products cool to the reader. Apache helicopters, as any 10 year old boy will tell you, are very cool. They are striking to look at, and they destroy our enemies, and they carry weapons with names like Hellfire rockets (that product name, admittedly, is not ironic).

Most grown men are equally as enthralled with cool helicopters that blow things up with missiles. But it is not only the imagery and our innate, male, interest in conflict (blame nature for that) that sells the product and the killing operation; the language is important too.

If the chopper were called a "Forward Reconnaissance Unit" and it fired "light capacity thermo-combustibles", three-quarters of the male audience would be skipping over the article completely. It sounds technical, bookish, boring and ultimately uninteresting to the average reader.

Conversely, when someone wants a reader to think something is boring and ignore it completely, this is the kind of obtuse language they can use to deflect interest.

For proof, simply look at the Tax Code, which isn't as boring as it seems - it details the process of taking a lot of your money. Or legislation like the Patriot Act, which uses both techniques - draw them in with the name ("Yeah, I'm a Patriot"), and then keep them away from the details by confronting them with an illegible body of text, written by creative lawyers.

So why is it important that these weapon systems be sold to the common male population that will never buy them? Because in fact, they are buying them - they are the taxpayers, and they fund the government who pays for the corporate development and production of the weapons.

The strange and perilous relationship between a government and it's people cannot be detailed with any significance in this short text. However, it is important to note that elements of government and private enterprise both despise and depend on the common population for their existence. The dynamics of this ever-changing relationship are on display in the media, the legislatures, the corporate boardrooms and the battlefields of our planet.

It is important to remember that while the linguistic architects do their best to manipulate our thoughts and opinions with their words, they also recognize their boundaries. The concepts and descriptions they put forward must be quantified and explained in a way that endears them to the reader without seeming too pandering or obvious. This can be seen in the following passage.

Immediately following the strike, a team of US marines performed a sweep-and-clear operation in the area, which led to the discovery of the bodies of 5 suspected insurgents. Asked how the Marines knew that these people were terrorists, Maj. Jim Buckley explained. "We had received solid information from local sources that there was a lot of activity in this particular area, a lot of 'chatter' as we say, and that led us to investigate deeper. It turns out there were weapons and supplies in the area, as well as sophisticated communications systems that could be used to trigger explosives or co-ordinate attacks on civilians or coalition forces. At that point we proceeded with the operation in order to neutralize the threat.

The roots of this passage reach back to techniques pioneered in a previous war: Vietnam.

By the time the war finally ended, millions of Vietnamese had perished, but the number that really stood out to most casual observers was 58 000: the number of US troops killed in action.

For the majority of it's 16 years, the Vietnam War was unpopular with the people of the United States. By the late 1960's, practically the entire student population, and much of the American middle class, were in active opposition to the war and by extension, the policies of the government.

It was during these heady times that the use of psychological propaganda against citizens through the news media became a significant part of US domestic policy. The idea was to figure out how to diffuse the threat of a mobilized, informed population without using lethal force, and also without having to change policy.

The government commissioned focus groups to study exactly what was causing the turmoil in their streets. Once they had dispensed with the obvious answers - the death of soldiers and innocents in Vietnam for no discernable purpose, discontent with government policy - they found some interesting clues.

They found that if the language used to describe the conflict were changed, so did the individual's perception of the conflict.

The first test of this inference was conducted publicly. For years, the army had been referring to offensive attacks against the NVA and sympathetic civilian populations as "Search and Destroy" missions. This was calling a rose a rose; the Army did in fact Search out the enemy, and once found, would do their best to Destroy them. It was simple language for a simple concept.

But as mentioned, things weren't so simple anymore.

The 'Search and Destroy' lexicon was likely brought into use by military staff who, recalling the days of WWII, assumed that the US population was interested in and overjoyed by the 'destruction of the Enemy'. In this sense, they were using advertising techniques, but in a clumsy way that didn’t serve their real interest, which was to maintain public support for the war. Once it became clear that the viewing and reading public were not at all impressed by the levelling of villages, the choice of words seemed ineffective for their goals, to say the least.

The military made a decision. Publicly, these missions were no longer to be called 'Search and Destroy', with all it's bloody connotations, but rather 'Sweep and Clear', a new term designed to change the perception of the event - from a fiery assault to the simple cleaning-up of a mess. This coat of gloss was to be applied at every opportunity.

While it's hard to gauge exactly how effective this wordplay was at the time, it doesn’t really matter, because the net effect has been monumental. These three words were the first steps taken down an unknown road - one that has led to the near-total distortion and sanitization of reality in the media today.

Near the end, the article allows for a brief appearance by the 'conscience' of the story - and an interesting technique is employed. Here, the narrative shifts to reflect not only the writer's perspective, it also cleverly uses language to assert the opinion of the reader and the nation at large at the same time. Through this technique the article can appear to be more balanced, more investigative, and less biased than it actually is.

Asked how the Marines knew…

Immediately in the sentence, an interrogative posture is adopted; this is meant to convey the impression of holding them to account for their actions, although the language in this case is very soft.

This is also where the clever perspective shift takes place. By saying Asked instead of When we asked, the writer positions himself together with the reader and the nation, making it seem like they are all asking together.

Think about it. It works because the article is no longer telling you what happened; at this point in the article, you become the narrator. See what I mean?

It's an illusion designed to placate our natural inclination of sympathy towards suffering - placed there to soothe your conscience. The reason it affects us so deeply to see another human being suffer is because we identify with that person; that could be us. Our natural, animalistic mind sees a creature that looks like us, it sounds like us, and so we can conceptualize what the suffering must be like.

The architects of the story know this. They also know that our inquisitive nature leads us to investigate the application of lethal force by our military, because our military is 'Us', an extension of ourselves. What they do, we as citizens stand behind.

Because of this, the situation must be 'managed' by the compliant media - it must be sold to us in a new light - described to us as necessary, just, and ultimately above reproach.

The concept of racism is used with devastating effect in modern media manipulation. The media use deceptive language and imagery to scrub away the humanity of the victims of our wars by portraying them as different from us: They are brown, they wear funny clothes, they chant and scream in strange languages. In the major western media, we very rarely see human interest stories about brutalized Iraqis or Afghans where they are portrayed as calm, rational, hardworking people.

Now that the writer has subverted our emotional defences by aligning himself with us, we are prepared to hear the scrubbed, neatly crafted, and factually hollow justification of the murder by a Marines representative.

We had received solid information from local sources that there was a lot of activity in this particular area, a lot of 'chatter' as we say, and that led us to investigate deeper. It turns out there were weapons and supplies in the area, as well as sophisticated communications systems that could be used to trigger explosives or co-ordinate attacks on civilians or coalition forces. At that point we proceeded with the operation in order to neutralize the threat.

Statements by military personnel remind me of the between-period interviews during a hockey game: No matter the day or whom they are talking to, they always say the exact same thing. In hockey, it's "we just gotta keep working hard, keep the puck in their end, keep up the momentum…" or some variation thereof.

The military is no different. Even the people they train to do PR and media relations are still military - trained killers. A soldier talking plainly can scare the hell out of you without ever meaning to.

So when it's time for the military to talk to the media - they are very careful about the language they use. They use reassuring terms like solid information, which have no actual meaning - what does solid mean? Does it mean that the information is over fifty percent right? Maybe it was right yesterday? Is it relative - is it 'more solid' than other information? When you analyze the statement, it falls apart. Without fact, without proof, there is only guessing. It's all about probabilities - a concept covered in the next book.

They use words that pique our interests like chatter - an interesting, curious word.

They use thorough and responsible concepts, like investigating deeper'

They talk about weapons and supplies like they aren't actually referring to kitchen knives and groceries…

Sophisticated communications systems... used to trigger attacks… Since cell phones are routinely used in the remote detonation of IED's, it follows that anyone with a cell phone can be designated an agent of the insurgency. Language defines Reality.

And if you think the illustrious and daring civilian/military/corporate command structure - most of whom share none of the dedication and integrity of our soldiers - wouldn't lie in the furtherance of their own interests - you have much to learn.

These are lies, where the truth hides in plain sight.

Me and Jim

Jim is the editor of a local free newspaper, the Saanich News, here in Victoria, BC.

Below is the transcript of the email conversation that followed their printing of an op-ed column furiously attacking the internet and, curiously, advocating potentially dangerous medical advice.

I didn't know that the editors of local newspapers were qualified to hand out medical advice to the general public, so I wrote Jim and we had a chat.

The link to the original op-ed is here.

From: Nathan Munn <munnifer@gmail.com>
Date: 2009/10/29
Subject: Re: Unclear message fuels inaccuracies
To: editor@saanichnews.com


Sirs,

As a longtime reader, It's hard to know where to start dismantling the appalling display of factual ignorance displayed in the most recent "Our View" column. Let's start with the facts about the swine flu vaccine.

As reported in the Guardian, 60 percent of doctors in the UK will not get the inoculation:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/aug/24/doctors-refuse-swine-flu-vaccine

Why is that? Because studies show that you are MORE likely to get infected with H1N1 if you have been vaccinated - a fact that could be considered humorous, were it not deeply troubling.

As reported in the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/study-prompts-provinces-to-rethink-flu-plan/article1303330/

As per the intention of your piece, you illuminate well the complete lack of comprehensible policy or leadership provided by our public health officials on this issue. Yet in a statement that I (and many other readers I am certain) find incredulous, you state that "we cant blame the public health officials for their lack of knowledge" about the vaccine and the virus itself.

Excuse me? Why would I inject a substance into my body that our public health authorities know nothing about? If they cant make up their mind about how much and which types of vaccine are needed for which segment of the population, how can they be certain about the efficacy and safety of the product? No significant testing has been done on the vaccine. Already, there have been several deaths in Sweden from the swine flu vaccine. As reported in the Local: http://www.thelocal.se/22846/20091024/

The truth is that vaccines variously contain thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury, industrial detergents, aluminum, squalene (adjuvant), cancerous animal tissue, and other unsavory ingredients. These are facts. The claim is that squalene is found naturally in the body and is therefore safe, even for pregnant women; this is completely false when squalene is injected into the body. Here is a study from the American Journal of Pathology in 2000 that proves it:http://ajp.amjpathol.org/cgi/content/abstract/156/6/2057

Vaccination has been clearly and definitively linked to untold numbers of adverse events since their inception. I've included the tip of the iceberg documented evidence of all the facts presented here for your researchers to explore, should they like.

As a final thought, your dismissal of the internet as a "cesspool of misinformation and outright lies" has all the venom of a personal slander. I can understand your frustration, however; it must be difficult to watch as your ignorance of the subject you portend to examine is revealed by a few clicks of the mouse. To hapharzardly exhort your readership to obtain questionable medical attention before actually researching the issue is not only politicized, ignorant journalism - it is dangerous. I will continue to find my news elsewhere than the Saanich News.

Nathan Munn

REFERENCES:

Vaccination Risk Awareness Network:

http://vran.org/about-vaccines/vaccine-ingredients/active-ingredients/ingredients-childhood-vaccines-in-canada/

World Association for Vaccine Education:

http://www.novaccine.com/vaccine-ingredients/

An extensive article by doctor Richard Moskowitz, M.D.

http://vran.org/about-vaccines/general-issues/doctors-speak/the-case-against-immunizatons/

Short Documentary: http://loveforlife.com.au/node/6636

***********************************

2009/10/29 Jim Zeeben <editor@saanichnews.com>

Thanks for your interest in the paper.

The world is all about opinions isn't it? It's good to ask questions and I've followed the news about the flu and the vaccine with interest (not as much as some, though).

Regarding our editorial. I still think there's too much confusion because people are either misinterpreting or misrepresenting information.

I'm not sure if you've also thought that, in some of the websites and videos being posted, the creators are more interested in scaring their audience than informing it.

I think it's a concern when people are being told not to listen to their doctor. And I stand by our position that there's more to lose from fearing the vaccine then by getting vaccinated -- with the caveat that people who have potential for allergic reactions get the shot without the adjuvant, if available.

I'll keep an open mind as new information comes in.

Anyway, I spent the time to check out some of your links. A few thoughts:

Re: http://www.thelocal.se/22846/20091024/

A quote from the story: “We still do not know if the deaths are connected to the vaccine.”

Re: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/aug/24/doctors-refuse-swine-flu-vaccine

A lot has changed in two months. Try: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/29/swine-flu-cases-rise-in-week

Re: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/study-prompts-provinces-to-rethink-flu-plan/article1303330/

Again, information changes, especially early speculation.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/h1n1-myth-busters/article1340101/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/h1n1-swine-flu/

Finally, this link doesn't jive with your claim.

http://ajp.amjpathol.org/cgi/content/abstract/156/6/2057

You're right. There are plenty of places to get information these days.

We'll continue working to be the best source of information about the community we live in.

Cheers

Jim Zeeben

editor: Saanich News

*********************************************************************

From: Nathan Munn <munnifer@gmail.com>
Date: 2009/10/29
Subject: Re: Unclear message fuels inaccuracies

To: Jim Zeeben <editor@saanichnews.com>


Thanks for your reply Jim.

Yes, opinions are found everywhere - but it's facts that are important. I appreciate the open-minded tone of your response, however find it to be in stark contrast to the belligerent demands and dismissals found in the original column. Perhaps if you had taken such an even-handed approach to what is actually published, you wouldnt be responding to letters like mine.

As for the claim that the study below doesnt jive with my claims, in fact it does. It shows that a single intradermal injection of squalene causes arthritic cell activity in prone rats. This is clear from the study title:

The Endogenous Adjuvant Squalene Can Induce a Chronic T-Cell-Mediated Arthritis in Rats

As I'm sure you are aware, newspapers can be held liable for whatever they print. So for the Local to print "Deaths Linked to Swine Flu Vaccine", there has to be significant evidence, or they face reprimand from both the public health officials and the courts. Their article, unlike the one in the Saanich News, was not an opinion piece.

The Globe and Mail mythbusters bit is more disturbing than anything. All it does is re-iterate that the vaccine is safe - with absolutely no supporting evidence. He cites no studies, no evidence; just states that adjuvanted vaccines "work better". Wow, what a relief! A Quick sample to refresh your memory:

Q: Have clinical studies showed any negative effects to getting the H1N1 vaccine?

A: There are studies and lots and lots of experience with components of this vaccine in millions of people that all say this vaccine is safe. There are no data saying it isn't safe. (Really now?)

Q: I'm concerned about the adjuvant squaline that is being added to the vaccine. This is the same substance that was added to the anthrax vaccine and was implicated in causing Gulf War Syndrome in American soldiers. I've heard people say this theory has been debunked, but I continue to hear evidence to the contrary.

A: I am glad you brought this up. If squalene is a problem, then we are all in trouble as we are all making it in our livers right now. It is a natural compound produced by your body. And the anthrax vaccine story is wrong. There was no squalene in that vaccine and it has never been scientifically linked to Gulf War syndrome. When people get sick they look for something to blame and vaccines seem to make a nice, easy target.

*******

Disturbing.

Simply look above to the actual scientific evidence that I provided for an explanation why squalene injected behaves differently than when it's made by your liver.

Most doctors take their policy positions from the provincial and federal health authorities, who in turn take their policy positions from institutions like the WHO and UN health advisory panels. If you would like to become informed on the subject, start by doing some research on their memorandums and policy goals - you might be surprised to hear what comes from their mouths.

Sincerely,

Nathan

ps. here is a sampling of studies and published articles showing the adverse reactions of vaccination since the early 60's, along with light commentary from the person who compiled it.

Bichel, “Post-vaccinial Lymphadenitis Developing into Hodgkin’s Disease”, Acta Med Scand, 1976, Vol 199, p523-525.

Stewart, AM, et al, “Aetiology of Childhood Leukaemia”, Lancet, 16 Oct, 1965, 2:789-790. [Listed under Vaccine Adverse Reactions.]

Glathe, H et al, “Evidence of Tumorigenic Activity of Candidate Cell Substrate in Vaccine Production by the Use of Anti-Lymphocyte Serum”, Development Biol Std, 1977, 34:145-148.

Bolognesi, DP, “Potential Leukemia Virus Subunit Vaccines: Discussion”, Can Research, Feb 1976, 36(2 pt 2):655-656.

Colon, VF, et al, “Vaccinia Necrosum as a Clue to Lymphatic Lymphoma”, Geriatrics, Dec 1968, 23:81-82.

Park-Dincsoy, H et al, “Lymphoid Depletion in a case of Vaccinia Gangrenosa”, Laval Med, Jan 1968, 39:24-26.

Hugoson, G et al, “The Occurrence of Bovine Leukosis Following the Introduction of Babesiosis Vaccination”, Bibl Haemat, 1968, 30:157-161.

Hartstock, , “”Post-vaccinial Lymphadenitis: Hyperplasia of Lymphoid Tissue That Simulates Malignant Lymphomas”, Apr 1968, Cancer, 21(4):632-649.

Allerberger, F, “An Outbreak of Suppurative Lymphadenitis Connected with BCG Vaccination in Austria- 1990/1991,” Am Rev Respir Disorder, Aug 1991, 144(2) 469.

Omokoku B, Castells S, “Post-DPT inoculation cervical lymphadenitis in children.” N Y State J Med 1981 Oct;81(11):1667-1668. Vaccines and Chromosome Changes Leading to Mutations:

Knuutila, S et al, “An Increased Frequency of Chromosomal Changes and SCE’s in Cultured Lymphocytes of 12 Subjects Vaccinated Against Smallpox,” Hum Genet, 1978 Feb 23; 41(1):89-96.

Cherkeziia, SE, et al, “Disorders in the Murine Chromosome Apparatus Induced By Immunization with a Complex of Anti-viral Vaccines,” Vopr Virusol, 1979 Sept Oct, (5):547-550.

[Note: SCE means sister chromatid exchange and is an indication that genetic mutations are occurring, which could possibly lead to cancer-causing mutations. Vaccines and Auto-immunity Citations:

Romanov, V A, et al, "Role of Auto-immune Processes in the Pathogenesis of Post-Vaccinal Lesions of the Nervous System", Oct 1977, Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 10:80-83.

Grachev, V P, et al, "Formation of Auto-antibodies in Laboratory Animals After Inoculation of Viruses With Different Virulence. I. Results of Studies ..., July 1973, Acta Virol (Praha), 17:319-326.

Movsesiants, AA, et al, "Experimental Study of the Ability of Different Strains of Vaccinia Virus to Induce Auto-Antibody Formation", Vopr Virusol, May-Jun 1975; (3):297-302.

Negina, IuP, "Comparative Study of Auto-antibody Formation Following Immunization With Different Types of Typhoid Vaccines", Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, May 1980; (5):69-72. Vaccinations and Diabetes Citations:

Sinaniotis, et al, "Diabetes Mellitus after Mumps Vaccination", Arc Dis Child, 1975, 50:749.66

Polster, H, "Diabetes insipidus after Smallpox vaccination", Z Aerztl Fortbild (Jena), 1 Apr 1966, 60:429-432.

Patan, "Postvaccinal Severe Diabetes Mellitus", Ter Arkh, Jul 1968, 40:117-118.

Classen, JB, MD, "The Timing of Immunization Affects The Development of Diabetes in Rodents", Autoimmunity, 1996, 24:137-145.

Classen JB, "The diabetes epidemic and the hepatitis B vaccines," N Z Med J, 109(1030):366 1996 Sep 27. [letter]

Classen JB, “Childhood immunisation and diabetes mellitus,” N Z Med J, 109(1022):195 1996 May 24 [letter]

Poutasi K, ” Immunisation and diabetes,” N Z Med J 1996 Jul 26;109(1026):283. [letter; comment] Other Articles Linking Diabetes to Vaccines:

Dokheel, T M, “An Epidemic of Childhood Diabetes in the United States? Evidence from ….”, Diabetes Care, 1993, 16:1606-1611.

Parent ME, et al, “Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination and incidence of IDDM in Montreal, Canada,” Diabetes Care 1997 May; 20(5):767-772.

House DV, Winter WE, “Autoimmune diabetes. The role of auto-antibody markers in the prediction and prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,” Clin Lab Med 1997 Sep; 17(3):499-545.

Zeigler, M et al , “[Autoantibodies in type 1 diabetes mellitus]” Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena). 1994 Aug; 88(7-8):561-5 Vaccines and Nervous System Changes:

Bondarev, VN et al, “The Changes of the Nervous System in Children After Vaccination”, Pediatria, Jun 1969; 48:20-24.

Ehrengut W, “Central nervous sequelae of vaccinations,” Lancet 1986 May 31;1(8492):1275-1276.

Provvidenza, G et al, [On a Case of Benign Acute Cerebellar Ataxia in Childhood], Arch Ital Sci Med Trop, 43:189-194, Apr 1962.

Katsilambros, L, “[The Phenomenom of Apathy in Man and Animals After the Injection of Viruses in Very High Doses. Clinical Data]“, Rev Med Moyen Orient, 20:539-546, Nov - Dec 1963. Vaccinations and Autism Citations:

Eggers, C, “Autistic Syndrome (Kanner) And Vaccinations against Smallpox”, Klin Paediatr, Mar 1976, 188(2):172-180.

Kiln MR, “Autism, inflammatory bowel disease, and MMR vaccine.” Lancet 1998 May 2;351(9112):1358.

Selway, “MMR vaccination and autism 1998. Medical practitioners need to give more than reassurance.” BMJ 1998 Jun 13;316(7147):1824.

Nicoll A, Elliman D, Ross E, “MMR vaccination and autism 1998,” MJ 1998 Mar 7;316(7133):715-716.

Lindley K J, Milla PJ, “Autism, inflammatory bowel disease, and MMR vaccine.”Lancet 1998 Mar 21;351(9106):907-908.

Bedford H, et al, “Autism, inflammatory bowel disease, and MMR vaccine.” Lancet 1998 Mar 21;351(9106):907.

Vijendra K. Singh, Sheren X. Lin, and Victor C. Yang, “Serological Association of Measles Virus and Human Herpesvirus-6 with Brain Autoantibodies in Autism,” Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology, Oct 1998, Vol. 89, No. 1, p 105-108. ["None of the autistic children in the study had measles in the past, but all had the MMR" stated David Whalgren. Vaccines and Demyelination Citations:

Herroelen, L et al, "Central-Nervous-System Demyelination After Immunization with Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine", Lancet, Nov 9, 1991, 338(8776):1174-1175.

Kaplanski G, Retornaz F, Durand J, Soubeyrand J, "Central nervous system demyelination after vaccination against hepatitis B and HLA haplotype." J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995 Jun; 58(6):758-759.

Matyszak MK, Perry VH, "Demyelination in the central nervous system following a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin." Neuroscience 1995 Feb;64(4):967-977.

Tornatore CS, Richert JR, "CNS demyelination associated with diploid cell rabies vaccine." Lancet 1990 Jun 2;335(8701):1346-1347.

Adams, JM et al, "Neuromyelitis Optica: Severe Demyelination Occurring Years After Primary Smallpox Vaccinations", Rev Roum Neurol, 1973, 10:227-231.

In 1988, Dietrich used MRI to show that developmentally delayed children had alterations in their myelin. Coulter described that central nervous system damage can be exhibited as abnormal behavior of the child. In 1935, Thomas Rivers, experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE) can be the result of a viral or bacterial infection of the nervous system. "The fact of the matter is that it is a matter of record that it was known that vaccination produced encephalitis since 1926." The authors stated, "In regions in which there is no organized vaccination of the population, general paralysis is rare. ... It is impossible to deny a connection between vaccinations and the encephalitis (brain damage) which follows it." Vaccines have been linked to seizures, convulsions and epilepsy. Vaccinations and Seizures:

Hirtz DG, Nelson KB, Ellenberg J H, "Seizures following childhood immunizations", Pediatr 1983 Jan; 102(1):14-18.

Cherry JD, Holtzman AE, Shields WD, Buch D, Nielsen, "Pertussis immunization and characteristics related to first seizures in infants and children,"J Pediatr 1993 Jun;122(6):900-903.

Coplan J, "Seizures following immunizations," J Pediatr 1983 Sep;103(3):496.

Barkin RM, Jabhour JT, Samuelson J S, "Immunizations, seizures, and subsequent evaluation," JAMA 1987 Jul 10;258(2):201.

Griffin MR, et al, "Risk of seizures after measles-mumps-rubella immunization," Pediatrics 1991 Nov;88(5):881-885.

Griffin MR, et al, "Risk of seizures and encephalopathy after immunization with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine," JAMA 1990 Mar 23-30;263(12):1641-1645.

Cizewska S, Huber Z, Sluzewski W, "[Prophylactic inoculations and seizure activity in the EEG],” Neurol Neurochir Pol 1981 Sep-Dec;15(5-6):553-557. [Article in Polish]

Huttenlocher PR, Hapke RJ, “A follow-up study of intractable seizures in childhood.” Ann Neurol 1990 Nov; 28(5):699-705.

Blumberg DA, “Severe reactions associated with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine: detailed study of children with seizures, hypotonic-hypo-responsive episodes, high fevers, and persistent crying.”Pediatrics 1993 Jun; 91(6):1158-1165. Vaccinations and Convulsions Citations:

Prensky AL, et al, “History of convulsions and use of pertussis vaccine,” J Pediatr 1985 Aug; 107(2):244-255.

Baraff LJ, “Infants and children with convulsions and hypotonic-hypo-responsive episodes following diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis immunization: follow-up evaluation,” Pediatrics 1988 Jun; 81(6):789-794.

Jacobson V, “Relationship of pertussis immunization to the onset of epilepsy, febrile convulsions and central nervous system infections: a retrospective epidemiologic study,” Tokai J Exp Clin Med 1988;13 Suppl: 137-142.

Cupic V,et al, “[Role of DTP vaccine in the convulsive syndromes in children],” Lijec Vjesn 1978 Jun; 100(6):345-348. [Article in Serbo-Croatian (Roman)]

Pokrovskaia NIa, “[Convulsive syndrome in DPT vaccination (a clinico-experimental study)],” Pediatriia 1983 May;(5):37-39. [Article in Russian] Vaccinations and Epilepsy Citations:

Ballerini, Ricci, B, et al, “On Neurological Complications of Vaccination, With Special Reference to Epileptic Syndromes,” Riv Neurol, Jul-Aug 1973, 43:254-258.

Wolf SM, Forsythe A, “Epilepsy and mental retardation following febrile seizures in childhood,” Acta Paediatr Scand 1989 Mar;78(2):291-295. ________________________________________ Vaccines and Brain Swelling:

Iwasa, S et al, “Swelling of the Brain in Mice Caused by Pertussis … Quantitative Determination and the Responsibility of the Vaccine”, Jpn J Med Sci Biol, 1985 , 38(2):53-65.

Mathur R, Kumari S, “Bulging fontanel following triple vaccine.” Indian Pediatr 1981 Jun;18(6):417-418.

Barry W, Lenney W, Hatcher G, “Bulging fontanelles in infants without meningitis.” Arch Dis Child 1989 Apr;64(4):635-636.

Shendurnikar N, “Bulging fontanel following DPT” Indian Pediatr 1986 Nov;23(11):960.

Gross TP, Milstien JB, Kuritsky JN, “Bulging fontanelle after immunization with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus vaccine.” J Pediatr 1989 Mar;114(3):423-425.

Jacob J, Mannino F, “Increased intracranial pressure after diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunization.” Am J Dis Child 1979 Feb;133(2):217-218.

Dugmore, WN, “Bilateral Oedema at the Posterior Pole. Hypersensitivity Reaction to Alavac P injection.” Br J Ophthalmol, Dec 1972, 55:848-849. Vaccines and Neurological Damage

Nedar P R, and Warren, R J, “Reported Neurological Disorders Following Live Measles Vaccine”, 1968, Ped, 41:997-1001.

Paradiso, G et al, “Multifocal Demyelinating Neuropathy after Tetanus Vaccine”, Medicina (B Aires), 1990, 50(1):52-54.

Landrigan, PJ, Whitte, J, “Neurologic Disorders Following Live Measles-virus Vaccination”, JAMA, Mar 26, 1973, v223(13):1459-1462.

Turnbull, H M, “Encephalomyelitis Following Vaccination”, Brit Jour Exper Path, 7:181, 1926.

Kulenkampff, M et al, “Neurological Complications of Pertussis Inoculation”, Arch Dis Child, 1974, 49:46.

Strom, J, “Further Experience of Reactions, Especially of a Cerebral Nature in Conjunction with Triple Vaccination”, Brit Med Jour, 1967, 4:320-323.

Berg, J M, “Neurological Complications of Pertussis Immunization,” Brit Med Jour, July 5,1958; p 24.

Bondarev, VN et al, “The Changes of the Nervous System in Children After Vaccination”, Pediatria, Jun 1969; 48:20-24.

Badalian, LO, “Vaccinal Lesions of the Nervous System in Children,” Vop Okhr Materin Dets, Dec 1959, 13:54-59

Lorentz, IT, et al, “Post-Vaccinal Sensory Polyneuropathy with Myoclonus”, Proc Aust Ass Neurol, 1969, 6:81-86.

Trump, R C, White, T R, “Cerebellar Ataxia Presumed Due To Live Attenuated Measles Virus Vaccine,” JAMA, 1967, 199:165-166.

Allerdist, H, “Neurological Complications Following Measles Vaccination”, Inter Symp, Brussels, 1978, Development Biol Std, Vol 43, 259-264.

Finley, K H, “Pathogenesis of Encephalitis Occurring With Vaccination, Variola and Measles, Arch Neur and Psychologist, 1938; 39:1047-1054.

Froissart, M et al, “Acute Meningoencephalitis Immediately after an Influenza Vaccination”, Lille Med, Oct 1978, 23(8):548-551.

Pokrovskaia, Nia, et al, “Neurological Complications in Children From Smallpox Vaccination”, Pediatriia, Dec 1978, (12):45-49.

Allerdist, H, “Neurological Complications Following Measles Virus Vaccination. Evaluation of the Cases seen Between 1971-1977″, Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, Jan 1979, 127(1): 23-28.

Ehrengut, W et al, “On Convulsive Reactions Following Oral vaccination Against Polio”, Klin Paediatr, May 1979, 191(3):261-270.

Naumova, R P, et al, “Encephalitis Developing After Vaccination without a Local Skin Reaction”, Vrach Delo, Jul 1979, (7):114-115.

Goswamy, BM, “Neurological Complications After Smallpox Vaccination”, J Ass Phys India, Jan 1969, 17:41-43.

Schchelkunov, SN et al, “The Role of Viruses in the Induction of Allergic Encephalomyelitis,” Dokl Akad Nauk SSSR, 1990,315(1):252-255. [Vaccines contain viruses, too]

Walker AM, “Neurologic events following diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis immunization,” Pediatrics 1988 Mar;81(3):345-349.

Shields WD, et al, “Relationship of pertussis immunization to the onset of neurologic disorders: a retrospective epidemiologic study,” J Pediatr 1988 Nov; 113(5):801-805.

Wilson J, “Proceedings: Neurological complications of DPT inoculation in infancy,” Arch Dis Child 1973 Oct; 48(10):829-830.

Iakunin IuA, “[Nervous system complications in children after preventive vaccinations],” Pediatriia 1968 Nov; 47(11):19-26. [Article in Russian]

Greco D, et al, “Case-control study on encephalopathy associated with diphtheria-tetanus immunization in Campania, Italy,” Bull World Health Organ 1985;63(5):919-925.

Ehrengut W at Institute of Vaccinology and Virology, Hamburg, Germany states, “Bias in the evaluation of CNS complications following pertussis immunization are the following: 1) Notifications of post-immunization adverse events, 2) Publications by vaccine producers on the frequency of adverse reactions, 3) Comparison of permanent brain damage after DPT and DT immunization, 4) Pro-immunization, 5) Immunization associated viral encephalitis, 6) Accuracy of statistics, 7) Personal. A review of these points indicates an underestimation of CNS complications after pertussis immunization.”

Reference: Ehrengut W, “Bias in evaluating CNS complications following pertussis immunization.” Acta Paediatr Jpn, 1991 Aug; 33(4):421-427. Vaccinations and Unexplained Diseases:

Hiner, E E, Frasch, C E, “Spectrum of Disease Due to Haemophilus Influenza Type B Occurring in Vaccinated Children”, J Infect Disorder, 1988 Aug; 158(2): 343-348.

Olin P, Romanus, V, Storsaeter, J, “Invasive Bacterial Infections During an Efficiacy Trial of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines — Implications For Future Surveilance In Pertussis Vaccine Programmes”, Tokai J Exp Clin Med, 1988; 13 Suppl: 143-144.

Storsaeter, J, et al, “Mortality and Morbidity From Invasive Bacterial Infections During a Clinical Trial of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines in Sweden”, Pediatr Infect Disorder J, 1988 Sept; 7(9):637-645.

Vadheim, CM, et al, “Effectiveness and Safety of an Haemophilus Influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine (PRP-T) in Young Infants. Kaiser-UCLA Vaccine Study Group,” Pediartics, 1993 Aug; 92(2):272-279. [The vaccines caused fevers, irritability, crying, and seizures, but were declared to be "safe and ... effective ... ".]

Stickl, H, “Estimation of Vaccination Damage”, Med Welt, Oct 14, 1972, 23:1495-1497.

Waters, VV, et al, “Risk Factors for Measles in a Vaccinated Population”, JAMA, Mar 27, 1991, 265(12): 1527.

Stickl, H, “Iatrogenic Immuno-suppression as a Result of Vaccination”, Fortschr Med, Mar 5, 1981, 99(9);289-292. Vaccine Citations Linking the Vaccine to the “prevented” Disease:

Nkowane, et al, “Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis, US 1973 through 1984, JAMA, 1987, Vol 257:1335-1340.

Quast, et al, “Vaccine Induced Mumps-like Diseases”, nd, Int Symp on Immun, Development Bio Stand, Vol 43, p269-272.

Green, C et al, “A Case of Hepatitis Related to Etretinate Therapy and Hepatitis B Vaccine”, Dermatologica, 1991, 182(2):119-120.

Shasby, DM, et al, “Epidemic Measles in Highly Vaccinated Population”, NEJM, Mar 1977, 296(11): 585-589.

Tesovic, G et al, “Aseptic Meningitis after Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine”, Lancet, Jun 12, 1993, 341(8859):1541.

Johnson, RH, et al, “Nosocomial Vaccinia Infection”, West J Med, Oct 1976, 125(4):266-270.

Malengreau, M, “Reappearance of Post-Vaccination Infection of Measles, Rubella, and Mumps. Should Adolescents be re-vaccinated?” Pedaitric, 1992;47(9):597-601 (25 ref)

Basa, SN, “Paralytic Poliomyelitis Following Inoculation With Combined DTP Prophylactic. A review of Sixteen cases with Special Reference to Immunization Schedules in Infancy”, J Indian Med Assoc, Feb 1, 1973, 60:97-99.

Landrigan, PJ et al, “Measles in Previously Vaccinated Children in Illinois”, Ill Med J, Arp 1974, 141:367-372.

NA, “Vaccine-Associated Poliomyelitis”, Med J Aust, Oct 1973, 2:795-796. Vaccine Failures Citations:

Hardy, GE, Jr, et al, “The Failure of a School Immunization Campaign to Terminate an Urban Epidemic of Measles,” Amer J Epidem, Mar 1970; 91:286-293.

Cherry, JD, et al, “A Clinical and Serologic Study of 103 Children With Measles Vaccine Failure”, J Pediatr, May 1973; 82:801-808.

Jilg, W, et al, “Inoculation Failure Following Hepatitis B Vaccination”, Dtsch Med wochenschr, 1990 Oct 12; 115(41):1514-1548.

Plotkin, SA, “Failures of Protection by Measles Vaccine,” J Pediatr, May 1973; 82:798-801.

Bolotovskii, V, et al, “Measles Incidence Among Children Properly Vaccinated Against This Infection”, ZH Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1974; 00(5):32-35.

Landrigan, PJ, et al, “Measles in Previously Vaccinated Children in Illinois”, Ill Med J, Apr 1974; 141:367-372.

Strebel, P et al, “An Outbreak of Whooping Cough in a Highly Vaccinated Urban Community”, J Trop Pediatr, Mar 1991, 37(2): 71-76.

Forrest, JM, et al, “Failure of Rubella Vaccination to Prevent Congenital Rubella,”Med J Aust, 1977 Jan 15; 1(3): 77.

Jilg, W, “Unsuccessful Vaccination against Hepatitis B”, Dtsch Med Wochenschr, Nov 16, 1990, 115(46):1773.

Coles, FB, et al, “An Outbreak of Influenza A (H3N2) in a Well-Immunized Nursing home Population,” J Am ger Sociologist, Jun 1992, 40(6):589-592.

Jilg, W, et al, “Inoculation Failure following Hepatitis B Vaccination,” Dtsch Med Wochenschr, Oct 12, 1990, 115(41):1545-1548.

Hartmann, G et al, “Unsuccessful Inoculation against Hepatitis B,” Dtsch Med Wochenschr, May 17, 1991, 116(20): 797.

Buddle, BM et al, “Contagious Ecthyma Virus-Vaccination Failures”, Am J Vet Research, Feb 1984, 45(2):263-266.

Mathias, R G, “Whooping Cough In Spite of Immunization”, Can J Pub Health, 1978 Mar/Apr; 69(2):130-132.

Osterholm, MT, et al, “Lack of Efficacy of Haemophilus b Polysacharide Vaccine in Minnesota”, JAMA, 1988 Sept 9; 260(10:1423-1428.

Johnson, RH, et al, “Nosocomial Vaccinia Infection”, West J Med, Oct 1976, 125(4):266-270. Vaccines Causing Another Vaccinal Disease:

Basa, SN, “Paralytic Poliomyelitis Following Inoculation With Combined DTP Prophylactic. A review of Sixteen cases with Special Reference to Immunization Schedules in Infancy”, J Indian Med Assoc, Feb 1, 1973, 60:97-99.

Pathel, JC, et al, “Tetanus Following Vaccination Against Small-pox”, J Pediatr, Jul 1960; 27:251-263.

Favez, G, “Tuberculous Superinfection Following a Smallpox Re-Vaccination”, Praxis, July 21, 1960; 49:698-699.

Quast, Ute, and Hennessen, “Vaccine-Induced Mumps-like Diseases”, Intern Symp on Immunizations , Development Bio Stand, Vol 43, p 269-272.

Forrest, J M, et al, “Clinical Rubella Eleven months after Vaccination,” Lancet, Aug 26, 1972, 2:399-400.

Dittman, S, “Atypical Measles after Vaccination”, Beitr Hyg Epidemiol, 19891, 25:1-274 (939 ref)

Sen S, et al, “Poliomyelitis in Vaccinated Children”, Indian Pediatr, May 1989, 26(5): 423-429.

Arya, SC, “Putative Failure of Recombinant DNA Hepatitis B Vaccines”, Vaccine, Apr 1989, 7(2): 164-165.

Lawrence, R et al, “The Risk of Zoster after Varicella Vaccination in Children with Leukemia”, NEJM, Mar 3, 1988, 318(9): 543-548. Vaccination Citations and Death

Na, “DPT Vaccination and Sudden Infant Death - Tennessee, US Dept HEW, MMWR Report, Mar 23, 1979, vol 28(11): 132.

Arevalo, “Vaccinia Necrosum. Report on a Fatal Case”, Bol Ofoc Sanit Panamer, Aug 1967, 63:106-110.

Connolly, J H, Dick, G W, Field, CM, “A Case of Fatal Progressive Vaccinia”, Brit Med Jour, 12 May 1962; 5288:1315-1317.

Aragona, F, “Fatal Acute Adrenal Insufficiency Caused by Bilateral Apoplexy of the Adrenal Glands (WFS) following Anti-poliomyelitis Vaccination”, Minerva Medicolegale, Aug 1960; 80:167-173.

Moblus, G et al, “Pathological-Anatomical Findings in Cases of Death Following Poliomyelitis and DPT Vaccination”, Dtsch Gesundheitsw, Jul 20, 1972, 27:1382-1386.

NA, “Immunizations and Cot Deaths”, Lancet, Sept 25, 1982, np.

Goetzeler, A, “Fatal Encephalitis after Poliomyelitis Vaccination”, 22 Jun 1961, Muenchen Med Wschr, 102:1419-1422.

Fulginiti, V, “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoid-Pertussis Vaccination and Visits to the Doctor: Chance Association or Cause and Effect?”, Pediatr Infect Disorder, Jan-Feb 1983, 2(1): 7-11.

Baraff, LJ, et al, “Possible Temporal Association Between Diphtheria-tetanus toxoid-Pertussis Vaccination and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome”, Pediatr Infect Disorder, Jan-Feb 1983, 2(1): 5-6.

Reynolds, E, “Fatal Outcome of a Case of Eczema Vaccinatum”, Lancet, 24 Sept 1960, 2:684-686.

Apostolov. et al, “Death of an Infant in Hyperthermia After Vaccination”, J Clin Path, Mar 1961, 14:196-197.

Bouvier-Colle, MH, “Sex-Specific Differences in Mortality After High-Titre Measles Vaccination”, Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique, 1995; 43(1): 97.

Stewart GT, “Deaths of infants after triple vaccine.”, Lancet 1979 Aug 18;2(8138):354-355.

Flahault A, “Sudden infant death syndrome and diphtheria/tetanus toxoid/pertussis/poliomyelitis immunisation.”, Lancet 1988 Mar 12;1(8585):582-583.

Larbre, F et al, “Fatal Acute Myocarditis After Smallpox Vaccination”, Pediatrie, Apr-May 1966, 21:345-350.

Mortimer EA Jr, “DTP and SIDS: when data differ”, Am J Public Health 1987 Aug; 77(8):925-926. Vaccines and Metabolism Citations:

Deutsch J, ” [Temperature changes after triple-immunization in infant age],” Padiatr Grenzgeb 1976;15(1):3-6. [Article in German]

NA, “[Temperature changes after triple immunization in childhood],” Padiatr Grenzgeb 1976;15(1):7-10. [Article in German]

[Considering that the thyroid controls our Basal Metabolism, it would appear that vaccines altered (depressed) thyroid activity.] Vaccines Altering Resistance to Disease:

Burmistrova AL, “[Change in the non-specific resistance of the body to influenza and acute respiratory diseases following immunization diphtheria-tetanus vaccine],” Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol 1976; (3):89-91. [Article in Russian] Vaccinations and Deafness Citations: So I did a background check to see if there was any scientific evidence linking vaccines to deafness and hearing loss. Here are some of the articles I found:

Kaga, “Unilateral Total Loss of Auditory and Vestibular Function as a Complication of Mumps Vaccination”, Int J Ped Oto, Feb 1998, 43(1):73-73

Nabe-Nielsen, Walter, “Unilateral Total Deafness as a Complication of the Measles- Mumps- Rubella Vaccination”, Scan Audio Suppl, 1988, 30:69-70

Hulbert, et al, “Bilateral Hearing Loss after Measles and Rubella Vaccination in an Adult”, NEJM, 1991 July, 11;325(2):134

Healy, “Mumps Vaccine and Nerve Deafness”, Am J Disorder Child, 1972 Jun; 123(6):612

Jayarajan, Sedler, “Hearing Loss Following Measles Vaccination”, J Infect, 1995 Mar; 30(2):184-185

Pialoux, P et al, “Vaccinations and Deafness”, Ann Otolaryng (Paris), Dec 1963, 80:1012-1013.

Angerstein, W, et al, “Solitary Hearing and Equilibrium Damage After Vaccinations”, Gesundheitswesen, May 1995, 57(5): 264-268.

Brodsky, Stanievich, “Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Live Measles Virus Vaccination”, Int J Ped Oto, 1985 Nov; 10(2):159-163

Koga, et al, “Bilateral Acute Profound Deafness After MMR Vaccination- Report of a Case”, Nippon Jibiin Gakkai Kai, 1991 Aug;94(8):1142-5

Seiferth, LB, “Deafness after Oral Poliomyelitis Vaccination - a Case Report and Review”, HNO, 1977 Aug; 25(8): 297-300

Pantazopoulos, PE, “Perceptive Deafness Following Prophylactic use of Tetanus anittoxin”, Laryngoscope, Dec 1965, 75:1832-1836.

Zimmerman, W, “Observation of a case of Acute Bilateral Hearing Impairment Following Preventive Poliomyelitis Vaccination (type 3)”, Arch Ohr Nas Kehlkopfheilk, 1965, 185:723-725. Vaccinations and Kidney Disorders Citations:

Jacquot, C et al, “Renal Risk in Vaccination”, Nouv Presse Med, Nov 6, 1982, 11(44):3237-3238.

Giudicelli, et al, “Renal Risk in Vaccination”, Presse Med, Jun 11, 1982, 12(25):1587-1590.

Tan, SY, et al, “Vaccine Related Glomerulonephritis”, BMJ, Jan 23, 1993, 306(6872):248.

Pillai, JJ, et al, “Renal Involvement in Association with Post-vaccination Varicella”, Clin Infect Disorder, Dec 1993, 17(6): 1079-1080.

Eisinger, AJ et al, “Acute Renal Failure after TAB and Cholera Vaccination”, B Med J, Feb 10, 1979, 1(6160):381-382.

Silina, ZM, et al, “Causes of Postvaccinal Complications in the Kidneys in Young Infants”, Pediatria, Dec 1978, (12):59-61.

Na, “Albuminurias”, Concours Med, Mar 1964, 85:5095-5098. [vaccination adverse reactions]

Oyrl, A, et al, “Can Vaccinations Harm the Kidney?”, Clin Nephrol, 1975, 3(5):204-205.

Mel’man Nia, “[Renal lesions after use of vaccines and sera].” Vrach Delo 1978 Oct;(10):67-9, [Article in Russian]

Silina ZM, Galaktionova TIa, Shabunina NR, “[Causes of postvaccinal complications in the kidneys in young infants].” Pediatriia 1978 Dec;(12):59-61, [Article in Russian]

Silina EM, et al, “[Some diseases of the kidneys in children during the 1st year of life, following primary smallpox vaccination and administration of pertusis-diphtheria-tetanus vaccine].” Vopr Okhr Materin Det 1968 Mar; 13(3):79-80, [Article in Russian] Vaccines and Skin Disorders Citations:

Illingsworth R, Skin rashes after triple vaccine,” Arch Dis Child 1987 Sep; 62(9):979.

Lupton GP, “Discoid lupus erythematosus occurring in a smallpox vaccination scar,” J Am Acad Dermatol, 1987 Oct; 17(4):688-690.

Kompier, A J, “Some Skin Diseases caused by Vaccinia Virus [Smallpox],” Ned Milt Geneesk T, 15:149-157, May 1962.

Weber, G et al, “Skin Lesions Following Vaccinations,” Deutsch Med Wschr, 88:1878-1886, S7 Sept 1963.

Copeman, P W, “Skin Complications of Smallpox Vaccination,” Practitioner, 197:793-800, Dec 1966.

Denning, DW, et al, “Skin Rashes After Triple Vaccine,” Arch Disorder Child, May 1987, 62(5): 510-511. Vaccinations and Abcesses:

Sterler, HC, et al, “Outbreaks of Group A Steptococcal Abcesses Following DTP Vaccination”, Pediatrics, Feb 1985, 75(2):299-303.

DiPiramo, D, et al, “Abcess Formation at the Site of Inoculation of Calmette-Guerin Bacillus (BCG),” Riv Med Aeronaut Spaz, Jul-Dec 1981, 46(3-4):190-199. Vaccinations and Shock:

Caileba, A et al, “Shock associated with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Syndrome following Injection of DT.TAB Vaccine, Prese Med, Sept 15, 1984, 13(3):1900. Vaccines: The Weird, The Wild and The Hilarious Citations: Sometimes there are articles published about the strangest facts related to vaccines that defies our imagination and ability to understand them. They were written seriously by well-meaning scientific persons, but their titles can be seen differently. Some are funny, some are sad and some are purely scientific folly. See if you can figure these out:

Pathel, JC, et al, “Tetanus Following Vaccination Against Small-pox”, J Pediatr, Jul 1960; 27:251-263. [Now you need a tetanus vaccination!]

Favez, G, “Tuberculous Superinfection Following a Smallpox Re-Vaccination”, Praxis, July 21, 1960; 49:698-699. [Super means large/big/great!]

Bonifacio, A et al, “Traffic Accidents as an expression of “Iatrogenic damage”, Minerva Med, Feb 24, 1971, 62:735-740. [But officer I was just vaccinated!]

Baker, J et al, “Accidental Vaccinia: Primary Inoculation of a Scrotum”, Clin Pediatr (Phila), Apr 1972, 11:244-245. [Ooops, the needle slipped.]

Edwards, K, “Danger of Sunburn Following Vaccination”, Papua New Guinea Med J, Dec 1977, 20(4):203. [Are vaccines phototoxic?]

Stroder, J, “Incorrect Therapy in Children”, Folia Clin Int (Barc), Feb 1966, 16:82-90. [Agreed.]

Wehrle PF, “Injury associated with the use of vaccines,” Clin Ther 1985;7(3):282-284. [Dah!]

Alberts ME, “When and where will it stop”, Iowa Med 1986 Sep; 76(9):424. [When!]

Breiman RF, Zanca JA, “Of floors and ceilings — defining, assuring, and communicating vaccine safety”, Am J Public Health 1997 Dec;87(12):1919-1920. [What is in between floors and ceilings?]

Stewart, AM, et al, “Aetiology of Childhood Leukaemia”, Lancet, 16 Oct, 1965, 2:789-790.

Nelson, ST, “John Hutchinson On Vaccination Syphilis (Hutchinson, J)”, Arch Derm, (Chic), May 1969, 99:529-535. [Vaccinations and STDs!]

Mather, C, “Cotton Mather Anguishes Over the Consequences of His Son’s Inoculation Against Smallpox”, Pediatrics, May 1974; 53:756. [Is it for or against?]

Thoman M, “The Toxic Shot Syndrome”, Vet Hum Toxicol, Apr 1986, 28(2):163-166. [Animals are not exempt from vaccination damage either!]

Johnson, RH, et al, “Nosocomial Vaccinia Infection”, West J Med, Oct 1976, 125(4):266-270. [Nosocomial means a disease acquired in a doctor's office or hospital.]

Heed, JR, “Human Immunization With Rabies Vaccine in Suckling Mice Brain,” Salud Publica, May-Jun 1974, 16(3): 469-480. [Have you had your suckling mice brains today?]

Tesovic, G et al, “Aseptic Meningitis after Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine”, Lancet, Jun 12, 1993, 341(8859):1541. [AM has same symptoms as poliomyelitis!]

Buddle, BM et al, “Contagious Ecthyma Virus-Vaccination Failures”, Am J Vet Research, Feb 1984, 45(2):263-266.

Freter, R et al, “Oral Immunization And Production of Coproantibody in Human Volunteers”, J Immunol, Dec 1963, 91:724-729. [Guess what copro- means .... Feces.]

NA, “Vaccination, For and Against”, 1964, Belg T Geneesk, 20:125-130. [Is it for or against?]

Sahadevan, MG et al, “Post-vaccinal Myelitis”, J Indian Med Ass, Feb 16, 1966, 46:205-206. [Did I mention myelitis?]

Castan, P et al, “Coma Revealing an acute Leukosis in a child, 15 days after an Oral Anti-poliomyelitis Vaccination,” Acta Neurol Bekg, May 1965, 65:349-367. [Coma from vaccines!]

Stickl, H, et al, “Purulent [pus] meningitides Following Smallpox Vaccination. On the Problem of Post- Vaccinal Decrease of Resistance”, Deutsch Med Wschr, Jul 22, 1966, 91:1307-1310. [Vaccines are the injection of viruses cultured from pus ... ]

Haas, R