Beware of a Flat-Tired Bandwagon

Current media seems to be full of pledges, petitions and regulations; it seems like everyone is searching to become part of the GREATER cause. However with the fervor in the air, one might want to check the research for validty.

For example, I read the following story on Facebook today, and verified it later on snopes.com and found the article listed below on theburningbiscuit.com:

"A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide." And for plenty of good reasons, since:

• it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting
• it is a major component in acid rain
• it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
• accidental inhalation can kill you
• it contributes to erosion
• it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes
• it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients

He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical. Forty-three (43) said yes, six (6) were undecided, and only one (1) knew that the chemical was water.

The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?" He feels the conclusion is obvious."

Do society a favor, be the one person smart enough to identify hoax petitions and causes. Living is hard enough without having to wade through a road full of flat-tired bandwagons.