Skeptic Project

This links to a good video about germ denialism.

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/08/germ_theory_denialism_explained.php

I'm thinking of creating a section on my website devoted to pointing out Joe Mercola's craziness. In an article regarding the elite using vaccines as a money maker in third world countries,

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/07/global-alliance-gets-billions-for-new-vaccines.aspx</p>

I found the following comments:

"I don't think anyone is denying that clean water, good nutrition and sanitation are absoutely necessary, but drug companies aren't in the business of suppling clean water. That doesn't make them bad. Of course, I do think they are out to make a buck, but give me one company that isn't. But, just because a company wants to provide vaccines to people in developing countries doesn't make US children guinea pigs. If I had a daughter, I would give her Gardasil, no doubt. And, the case for vaccines in developing countries could be seen from this perspective: if clean water and safe living conditions aren't available, then at least vaccinate for the diseases that people will encounter from living in these conditions so that not as many people (including children) will get sick and die! This is about saving lives!!! And, vaccines do that, whether you like it or not."

The above quote was given 21 thumbs down. So you are aware, pretty much any time a comment receives more than a handful of thumbs down, it is a rational, intelligent post. Anything that is give multiple thumbs up is typically idiocy, such as this response to the above quote:

"You would give your daughter Gardasil? You really are braindead, aren't you! The global elite love you! Everything the government and corporations do, is a fraud...and that includes Big Pharma!"

And another:

"Sorry to say it, Norhythm, but it's fortunate you don't have a daughter. If you have a son, then they're targeting them as well now.
If you believe in the germ theory, as the medical do, then of course the vaccine may make sense to you. The germ theory was proven wrong as soon as it was 'discovered'. (Bechamp/Lemark) Instead of securing a safe, clean harmonious environment for the body, and the microbes within the body, they seemed to go with the 'let's create an enemy so we can fight it' theme. This would come from the warring nature that we possess. Fight cancer, fight heart disease, 'he put up a good fight, but the disease got him in the end" She's a fighter, but she'll make it!
How about, "let's give the body the nourishment and rest it needs to deal with the health issue at hand, then have faith in it's internal intelligence'. (God given!)"

It's clear that Mercola peddles and fosters a community full of conspiracy theorists, denialists of all kinds, and simply ignorant people. Fortunately, there are some good people there:

"Dr. Mercola,
As a private practice pediatrician, I try to educate people about the facts of vaccines every day, yet more and more refuse them, thinking they are harmful or unnecessary. Why? Because they're reading forums like these, unmoderated, where any nonsense is allowed to stay posted.
Note that ANYTHING ON THIS SITE WILL BE VIEWED AS INFORMATION, NOT UNEDUCATED OPINION, BY MANY OF THE READERS.
For goodness sake, there are people in this forum who dispute germ theory! Do they dispute gravity too? Do you wish to educate the public or be a forum for conspiracy theorists? The logical thing to do is to publish your articles your opinions and your links, and eliminate the "community comments" section completely. That way, you can continue doing what you do, while no longer allowing your site to be used as a forum for crazies who don't know evidence from paranoia."

The above quote received 75 thumbs down.

New blog post:

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/08/yes_there_really_are_people_who_dont_acc.php