Wonders never cease! WorldNetDaily, the usually anti-science bastion of reactionary sensationalism has published a scientifically accurate article: “Don’t buy the vaccines-autism myth,” by Phil Elmore.

You will find very few rational, reasonable individuals who deny the proven technology of modern electrical appliances, or who think they are qualified to repair them without training. It is common knowledge and accepted practice that such devices are the purview of skilled professionals. Any citizen who takes a little time can become a reasonably educated amateur, of course. The technology is complicated, but not impossible to understand, especially at a general level. We may know that we are out of our depth when it comes to the specifics of how these devices operate, but we also know to whom we can go for assistance when something malfunctions.

For some reason, however, otherwise rational human beings seem to suspend their better judgment where medical technology is concerned. I refer specifically to the growing movement whose members are today spreading the false notion that getting your children vaccinated will somehow give them autism. Some frightened parents are reacting by applying lengthened vaccination schedules – or skipping certain vaccinations completely.

This hysteria would not be nearly so widespread if not for the fact that it is propagated within popular culture by celebrities, most notably Jenny McCarthy. This sometime actress, television “personality” and former Playboy model is a vocal activist within the anti-vaccination movement. It wouldn’t be quite so frustrating that people listen to what celebrities like McCarthy have to say, except that to fight the mindless propaganda repeated by these individuals, rational people must enlist celebrities of their own. They can’t rely solely on facts, research, or the testimony of professionals thoroughly familiar with the technology in question.

I thought the “appliance repair” analogy was brilliant!

The anti-vaccines folks are apparently too “out there,” even for WorldNetDaily, which published a whole series of articles about how “Soy is making kids ‘gay’.”

Strange times, indeed.

Hat Tip to Respectful Insolence.

Film director Ron Howard revived his acting roles as Opie Taylor from “The Andy Griffith Show,” and Richie Cunningham from “Happy Days” to create a video in support of Barack Obama for President. Andy Griffith and Henry Winkler also reprised their roles as Sheriff Andy Taylor and “the Fonz.”