Is swine flu a conspiracy?

With so much worldwide panic and pressure surrounding swine flu, you had to guess that the conspiracy theorists would come out of the woodwork.

Everyone wants to find what pig was the original carrier. Everyone wants to know if the government is behind this. The FBI? The CIA? Is this is a great pandemic that was warned about by Nostradamus? Is Donald Rumsfeld secretly planning our demise to make money with Tamiflu? And who stands to gain?

As the news continues to break, and everyone wants to name a bad guy first, let’s take a look at the theories swirling around the Interweb.

From Grist.org:
Swine-flu outbreak could be linked to Smithfield factory farms

Is Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork packer and hog producer, linked to the outbreak? Smithfield operates massive hog-raising operations Perote, Mexico, in the state of Vera Cruz, where the outbreak originated.

From MotherJones.com:
Swine flu: Bringing home the bacon

As the world gears up once again for a flu pandemic that may or may not arrive (it actually seems possible this time), we might want to remember some of the lessons of the last flu scare. One of these is that there are winners as well as losers in every high-profile outbreak of infectious disease. First and foremost among them, of course, is Big Pharma, which can always be counted on to have its hand out wherever human misery presents an opportunity to rake in some cash.

From LayScientist.net:
This site wryly rounded up an array of blogs and tweets crying “Conspiracy!” A sample of the notes posted there:

ATTENTION AMERICA!!!! This is highly significant. The WHO "Pandemic Control Room" is a creation of the Illuminati elite for the final "end-game" killer virus mapping and tracking, and is thus equipped with super-computers tied to all U.N. member government's security forces.

Obama makes an official visit to Mexico, and a short week later, Mexico City schools, Universities and all PUBLIC BUILDINGS are shut down in pandemic fear -- (for the first time since the devastating 1985 earthquake!) Again, is this just a bizarre co-incidence??"

From Twitter:
How could we leave out the latest Internet phenomenon? Love it or hate it—Twitter is being talked about and used. Who knew that in 140 characters, hundreds of little tweet-ed paranoias could be passed and spread, much like a virus. From Twitter user @supergodiva:

Is Swine Flu lethal Israeli scam to force Mexico=Gaza comparison via separation fence? http://is.gd/uVnR

Ret. Army General Russell Honore asks @donlemoncnn "Did this swine flu come out of a lab?" http://is.gd/uUaO"

Swine Flu reported as unusual as it affects the most healthy (20-45) vs weak kids/elderly. Perfect pathogen to quell dissent.

Finally, from NaturalNews.com:
The naturalists weigh in with “As Swine Flu Spreads, Conspiracy Theories of Laboratory Origins Abound.” From the article:

It's not an unreasonable question to ask: Could world governments, spooked by the prospect of radical climate change caused by over-population of the planet, have assembled a super-secret task force to engineer and distribute a super virulent strain of influenza designed to "correct" the human population (and institute global Martial Law)?

So, what's the real truth here? One sick pig? Man-made lab experiment? Population control? Pharm companies cashing in? Rummy cashing in? Or a whole lot of floated hogwash?

What's your theory? Tell us in the comments below.

--Lori Kozlowski

Photo: EPA

Comments

[Oz]

Yes, it's a conspiracy of dunces.

[Bill Hill]

Why is it that when anyone questions the stories put out by the media or government agencies or corporate speakers or presents differing information than the main stream channels, that immediately they are labelled as a so called conspiracy nut and tuned out. Why is it that most people automatically believe anything they are told by officials on the television? There is no law that holds any of these sources responsible for telling the truth. They can lie, distort, and omit facts just like anyone else, including labelled conspiracy nuts. The mere fact that most people automatically beleive what ever they see and hear over the television and main stream media centers makes the population very easy to mislead. All sources of information on a given subject should be examined with equal consideration in hope that the most accurate truths can be extracted, nobody is a conspiracy nut. Just my 2-cents.

[Ernesto P.]

I really don't know about a conspiracy, but it's amazing for me that in Mexico there have been about 2,000 confirmed cases of swine flu, in a population over 100 million people, who lived there, confronting a new disease. But almost every tourist who visited any city of Mexico, or just stayed for a couple of hours, in an airport for connecting fligths, caugth the infection.

This is something I can't understand, I can't believe it and I see this world wide situation as a true conspiracy.

I am a mexican citizen, and I am not afraid of this flu virus. I'm afraid of the reaction that different countries have expressed against Mexico, as if we have been intentionally developing this virus to destroy our economy.

Thank you.

[Dinos Tsapatsaris]

There six possibilities: 1) It is what it is, a naturally arising flu. 2) It could be man- made and accidentally escaped. 3) It could be man-made and intentionally let go. But 4) it would be wise to before hand inoculate your own population first so they don't get sick. Not aware of that happening. And if 4 then 4a: Why attack Mexico? 5) It man-made, you made it and you let it go and you don't care who it kills as long as it kills, motives could range from maniacal to religious. 6) It is man-made, it was intentionally released and it is just a test run of something worse to be let loose. The test run also reduces a country's abilities to respond having used funds for the flu. That it is a natural flu is the Occam's Razor candidate, that it is a dress rehearsal for something worse, is the most complex and unlikely. And even if it is just a mild flu, money was spent, procedures published. That would make it easier for someone to do #6

[Brenda Aranda]

Ok people, I live in Monterrey, México, and right now this "Swine Flu" that is WRONGLY NAMED after a MUTATION from a virus of bird ang pig flu, is only transmited from human to human. So ..as the industry that relates to selling pig meat and other food made with it has presented a crisis, it has been wisely changed to "H1N1 Flu".... what can we do for the peoples mind..??

YOU CAN ALL EAT PORK... for god´s sake...

And another thing.... STOP CALLING IT MEXICAN SWINE FLU..... It DIDN´T START in HERE.... and certainly not from a pig. The thing is out of control in here, YES.

It is very sad that our poorly developed government has not taken the correct protocol to control the spread of the flu on infected persons. And so more to the people that died because they didn't know about the disease and how to control it.

I am very ashamed that my country has not the proper measures or ways to CURE the cases. And right now I cannot go out to meet my friends or family. Everywhere is beginning to close, restaurants, theaters, schools... just to make people stay at home and if you go out, you use the "cubrebocas" or "mouth keeper" or whatever the translation is... I am so mad that this situation is affecting economy and creating social problems about not going out of home.

[Louise O]

I'd like to mention here for those who think coloidal silver is voodoo science that it's used to fight infections in hospitals and wound clinics all over the world, particularly in those with deep pressure bed sores that resist all other treatments- I've had first-hand experience with this, since my late husband's bed sores didn't respond to anything else- Honey is also used- that said, since the flu is a virus, all you can really treat are secondary infections since there are no immunizations for this flu- although the most recent news announces that scientists believe those exposed to the flu pandemic in 1957 might have some immunity to this, explaining why victims were in a younger age bracket

[Louise O]

Anyone who believes the role of the FDA is to facilitate the discovery and use of simple cures and medications is naive- and until fairly recently, anyone who suggested the used of maggots or leeches in medicine would have been laughed out of the room- but maggots are used to clean out necrotic tissue, and leeches are used to facilitate re-circulation in re-attached fingers and toes and such- There are treatments used in Europe and Asia that have been in use for thousands of years that the FDA will never approve either- on the other hand, the FDA has been responsible for approving treatments that have proven to be dangerous- like Tamiflu for children

[rob]

Vera Cruz?
Nice gal, we dated in college.

As for the conspiracy theorists-
I better get my tin foil hat, it's only a matter of time before this gets linked to "the great plot of 9/11".

[Chatter]

Aliens.

[venicementor]

It certainly has taken the focus off of the "financial" crisis, hasn't it? Frankly I think the swine flu came from unprotected sex between Kermit the Frog and Ms. Piggy. Like I I've said all along...ya can't rust anyone! :-0

[NOBODY]

why dont we just stop saying meanless stuff and wait for the real and true evidence to come out witch im not saying it will be 100% true but there is no real reason to panic jus stay clean lol and seer thats halariouse rotflmfao oh and just look back at what happend when the "bird flu" cameout no one wantedto eat chicken nowlook at ppl

[PAul]

That is the Hairiest Eared Pig that I have seen! He must be the One, That started this!!

[Dan]

Sure it's a conspiracy. Obama's top science adviser John Holdren seems to be all in favor of culling the population. Check out the following link at cei.org:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=11&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcei.org%2Fcei_files%2Ffm%2Factive%2F0%2FWilliam%2520Yeatman%2520-%2520Holdren%2520WebMemo.pdf&ei=xJL6SYL1M6aUtgPCoMDuAQ&usg=AFQjCNFBQQ_lq0PFDwugb8YrxA8E9iDDhw

Here are a few excerpts from this web page:

* "Holdren has advocated government-funded sterilization programs and the “de-development” of industrialized economies to ward off 'ecocide.' And he has complained that 'people are the bane of a rational energy
policy'."

* "Early in his career, Holdren warned of “ecocide,” an “ecocastrophe” caused by expanding populations and growing economies that exceed the “finite ability of this planet to support people.” Holdren became a vocal proponent of population control.

• In 1969, he wrote about the necessity “to convince society and its leaders that there is no alternative but the cessation of our irresponsible, all-demanding, and all-consuming population growth.”

• Two years later, Holdren claimed that “population control, the redirection of
technology, the transition from open to closed resource cycles, the equitable
distribution of opportunity, and the ingredients of prosperity must all be
accomplished if there is to be a future worth living.”

It's also important to remember that Obama's good friend, former terrorist Bill Ayers, once called for the extermination of 25 million Americans (see link http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/election/480). Looks like he's surrounding himself with people who might have no qualms dropping a virus on poor Mexicans!

Such a dastardly deed would serve a lot of purposes all at once: decrease the surplus population; divert attention away from Obama administration policies which (once again) favor the wealthy at the expense of the poor and working class; minimize dissent by eradicating the poorest who cannot afford health care and by presenting a "threat" to society much more scary than bankers and large corporations.

[andersen]

THANKS ReVGEN, Hey Bettle you know ego is not a good thing in science. trials and science aren't mutually inclusive unless you are referring to jobs. In fact here is tangible evidence supporting revgens claim. and in fact "silver spoon in my mouth"is ancient wisdom. it's ok you did not waste your hard won cash on decades old procedure in vain. to discount the possibilities is counter to scientifi thinking. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PTXT&p=1&p=1&S1=%22METHOD+CURING+AIDS%22&OS=

[andersen]

THANKS ReVGEN, Hey Bettle you know ego is not a good thing in science. trials and science aren't mutually inclusive unless you are referring to jobs. In fact here is tangible evidence supporting revgens claim. and in fact "silver spoon in my mouth"is ancient wisdom. it's ok you did not waste your hard won cash on decades old procedure in vain. to discount the possibilities is counter to scientifi thinking. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PTXT&p=1&p=1&S1=%22METHOD+CURING+AIDS%22&OS=

[Andrea 'Enthal]

200 million Americans or something, and 64 got this illness, and one died.
Somehow I am just about as concerned about this media hype flu as I am "worried" that I might get struck by lightning on a cloudless day, or win a state lottery.
Talk about when pigs wear lipstick and fly...

[Leah]

Beetle, colloidal silver cannot be patented, ergo big pharma cannot make money from it, ergo it is not FDA approved. Til it can somehow be patented, it will not become mainstream. Big pharma and all those on their payroll (FDA included) will try and keep something that cannot be patented, but is blatantly effective, out of the mainstream as long as possible. We wouldn't want people to actually become healthy now would we? Who would we sell all the drugs to then??

Spurious news items about a man turning blue from argyria are touted by the media to discredit colloidal silver so that those that take it can be labelled 'crackpots', despite the fact it is only silver compounds such as silver chorides, silver nitrates etc which can cause argyria.
Calling colloidal silver 'bogus science' is not a valid argument - i've tried and tested colloidal silver myself and it works. I have seen others use it and it works. There may not be an abundance of peer reviewed papers on colloidal silver, but i'm sure if you looked hard enough you'd find something.
And just remember, some of the best discoveries and inventions were made outside mainstream 'science', take Einstein for example.

Please don't dismiss something because science hasn't approved it yet.

[st.]

The real conspiracy has no swine associated with it at all.

[Lori Kozlowski]

Hello, dear readers,
There has been a great deal of chatter over this blog post, and quite a bit of discussion over colloidal silver.

For the most recent Los Angeles Times Health story on colloidal silver, click here:

Does colloidal silver boost immunity or overall health?
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-skeptic9-2009feb09,0,2063918.story

--Lori Kozlowski

[Captain Trips]

We're supposed to believe a virus made up of three different strains from three different continents from three different species magically appeared out of a giant puddle of pig poop in Mexico.

Yeah, and I'm a hybrid of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.

[Nick]

Has anyone ever noticed that every time the goverment seens to be failing at an extremely vital task and that the public is more than aware of it some random flu pops up? What about bird flu? what ever happened to that? It magicly dropped off the radar right after the war stopped becoming a main issue. now the economy is in the dumpster and BOOM! swine flu..... really goverment? come on.
Whens the last time the economy was the biggest part of your worries after the swine flu came out?
yeah not so recently huh?
keep this in mind

[Nick]

1. sine flus the new pandemic
2. are u thinking about economy?
3.war?
4.terrorists?

5. every paranoid person thinks they have swine
6. they go to a hospital
7. they pay the hospital lots of money
8.that money goes to the goverment
thats coencidential

[alexis]

All of This was done by the G7......since they know the economy has beed bombing..they all neede a way to restart the economy. ANy other guess? same as always, money! throught vast amounts of loans from the IMF. That is why mexico steped up to the plate by asking being the first country to ask for a loan. Being the United States, told all IMF memberes if they ever want any future loans, they have to play (the USA's)game, declare an epidemic. Everything was a big lie, i never believed the epidemic in the first place. Think about it, Obama has a secret meeting with felipe calderon. After Obama leaves mexico suddenly an out cry of "influenza" has emerged. Meanwhile there is an order for quarentine of the whole entire country. WHy a quarentine?why close schools, universities? because of revolts. The goverment doesnt want intervention from the people. they can do what ever while its citizens are at home worrinying about the "flu" on tv. The goverment has also passed the GOOD GOVERMENT GOOD POLICE ACT in Mexico CIty. This act states officials will have the right to invade the privacy of its citizens. Dont we have an act like this in the worlds biggest democracy?Yes, the act is the same as the US patriot act. Also they are lookin to see if they can also legalize marijuana. AN where are the dead!!or the infected!! All we have seen is people interviewed saying they "have" family member infected, but we are no interested in them show us the real deal! Also the WHO has been losing money for several years now, what the best way to raise is revenue? selling masks, creating vacines.
One last thing, if swine flu arise from pigs in farms, why did the flu suddenly appear in mexico city one of the biggest cities in the world.

[joel]

does anyone have any oinkment for this?

[Michael]

Beetle - you got your head in the sand dude - as most average people do. Your whole idea of "if it's too good to be true, it isn't" is what prevents most of the world from achieving better health. Do you think the vaccines that exist have been PROPERLY TESTED??? Diid you know that ALL vaccine manufacturer's are legally shielded from lawsuits? Did you know that the FDA, who's supposed to yay or nay vaccines, drugs, etc. have a behind the scenes history rivaling Hitler? Do you really trust everything your doctor says to you or the WHO or most governments? For all your "scientific methods tell the story" it sounds like you're not looking at everything - only what proves your point.
The amount of altnerative health therapies that work better for literally over half the ailments in the world is shameful. You don't know about it, because you're not looking, and because you'r hypnotized by the world we live in.