Last week, a lot of political observers were scratching their heads after reports that the Romney campaign is sending direct mail to Virginia voters on, of all things, Lyme Disease. It looked like evidence of campaign micro-targeting reaching new levels of sophistication.
At first blush, the mailing doesn't even make any sense. Romney/Ryan promises to combat Lyme Disease though "improved synergy"? What does that even mean? And what happens to those who contract the illness, but lack basic coverage after Romney/Ryan destroys the Affordable Care Act?
But it turns out, there's more to it than that. Laura Helmuth explained over the weekend that there are niche conspiracy theorists on this issue in Virginia, and in classic dog-whistle fashion, Romney's appealing to them by speaking their language.
Let’s play doctor. A patient comes to you with joint pain, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, poor attention, and mood swings. You might run a series of tests to rule out a persistent infection or other disorder. If your patient lives in a tick- and Lyme-disease-infested area, you would be wise to test for the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and, if detected, prescribe a course of antibiotics. But suppose the tests come back negative and there is little evidence that your patient was bitten by a tick or was infected with the Lyme disease bacterium. If you are a good doctor, and you are, you might explore a diagnosis of depression, a disease that afflicts almost 10 percent of the population at any given time.
If you are a doctor who believes that the CDC and NIH have misrepresented carefully vetted clinical trial data about the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, however, you might diagnose your patient with chronic Lyme disease and prescribe an intensive, long-term, side-effect-laden, mega-dose of antibiotics.
And who would be the biggest supporter of your and your patient’s right to pursue a worth-testing-but-found-wanting treatment? Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.
There is no doubt that tick-borne illnesses in Northern Virginia are a serious public-health issue, but the Romney mailing, and its promises of "improved synergy," appears to be more political than medical. As Helmuth added, the direct mail seems to suggest, "Forget the science, just channel your legitimate fear of a dangerous disease and your misguided fear of the medical establishment into a vote for us."
Helping drive the conspiracy theory is Michael Farris, a highly influential religious right activist and home-schooling advocate based in Virginia. Farris has no medical background, but he met privately with Romney in September to talk, among other things, "about Lyme disease."
Leave a Comment:
What a tick?
They're bloodsucking critters once they latch on they suck voraciously till full depositing their slime and larvae (possible) into the wound, you know like - Bush, Chaney, Bachmann, Akin, LyingRyan, McTurtle, Bonehead, Cantor, BIG OIL/COAL/PHARMA, et.al!
I don't get people today. My grandmother never finished grade school and was more circumspect of the kind of political tripe people are so quick to embrace. These "Christians" are giving Christianity a bad name. On a personal level, they're just plain creeping me out.
they are christians ,but they are republicans first , that's their whole problem and now ours .
they are also the people who cry for religious freedom and will allow you the same right as long as it agrees with theirs. Otherwise, they call you a Muslim.
I will not let them sully the good religion of christianity be calling themselves that. They are not christians as evidence in their fixation on materials. Jesus told an observer who asked what he had to do to get into heaven, and Jesus said he had to give up his wealth and follow him. They individual couldn't do it just as these pretenders cannot do it. Although we all fall short of the glory of God, at least real christians make an honest effort. These people aren't even trying!!!
That mailing was an insult not just to thinking people, but especially to Lyme patients (I am one). It took a VERY REAL PROBLEM we are fighting and reduced it to paranoid conspiracy theory propaganda.
Lyme Disease IS monumentally under-diagnosed and under-treated. The tests aren't reliable and everyone's reaction is different and demands individualized treatment. There aren't a lot of doctors who are literate in Lyme and insurance companies have decided to follow the CDC's treatment guidelines, which are not only outdated but were co-written by people who testify FOR insurance companies AGAINST patients.
The incredible politicization of Lyme Disease is so bewildering it's not surprising that conspiracy theories abound. A couple might even be true. But the only thing that really matters right now is how to get treatment covered by insurance companies AND how to educate doctors.
And we don't need Romney's poison touch on this. We have enough problems as it is.
Thank you Karen for succinctly telling the basic truth.
I can't stand Mitt Romney and knew if he touched the Lyme disease struggle, it would end up a disaster.
As someone who has been misdiagnosed for over 20 years, I find the struggle to get proper treatment disgusting, inexcusable, and draining.
A dog gets Lyme disease and they treat it with long-term antibiotics, but a person gets it and get one course of antibiotics.
After a single course of antibiotics, we are told we are cured, but the symptoms are the same, and the little relief we may have begun to feel through treatment is gone.
The doctors say,"those things are just the aches and pains of getting older.".
Then why is my oxygen level at 63% and you can't find a problem in your x rays...is that a symptom of getting older also?
I used to run 6 miles every other day and now I have trouble walking from my bedroom to my kitchen.
I was a professional athlete and then a d*** good Arborist with my own business, now I can't even do my own shopping.
People need to educate themselves thoroughly about Lyme disease and take it seriously, because it's epidemic and it might be you or a loved one struggling with it next.
This is coded Mittspeak for gotta get them parasites.
...and this is an ignorant comment.
I am now firmly convinced that all Republicans are nuts.
Put the lyme in the coconut!
Karensc,
It took this to convince you of that? I think it's just another turd on the sh!t wagon.
I did think that maybe a few of them had a full load of bricks, but now I think they're all pushing an empty wheelbarrow!
never use a good song especially written by Nilsson in connection with republicans
You guys are pitiful, I'm glad the suffering of so many others is such a big joke to you. And I thought Republicans are the ones who are not supposed to be compassionate.
When all else fails then lower your sights and go for the bug crazy vote!
As someone with a child suffering from Chronic Lyme Disease I'm not really sure what your comment even means in terms of this discussion.
We mock what we do not understand.
I just used some lymes in my guacamole last night, it was great! Then I washed it down with some Key Lyme pie and Cherry Lymeade. Obama is trying to issue 923 Executive Orders regarding the use of lymes, so you folks should support the Republican candidate...
I wish Romney would just give in "Lyme Disease" come-on...
Do you have a disease, other than ignorance o the subject of Lyme Disease, that you feel he should address? Would that change your opinion of him?
In response, the Obama campiagn will be coming out with an ad promoting their work to prevent gingivitis. Unfortunately, that will only be effective in states where people have most of their teeth.
I hate to be the one that has to point this out, but there are plenty of good, hardworking progressives with @!$%#ty teeth because our already pathetic healthcare system doesn't consider dental coverage as "healthcare".
Do try to make your points without crappy, backwards stereotypes.
DJ,
My apology for the offense. I think we all know that neither party's supporters have all of the good looks, good ideas, or good plans. And I hope you understand that I was just joking without any intention of offending anyone. Heck, I'll be the first to admit that I don't have the prettiest smile around. And while I do have healthcare, I don't have dental coverage. So I know what you're talking about. But if I were serious in every single post I put out here, I'd go crazy. Sometimes people enjoy some levity. I'll try to be more PC with it next time.
KJ...I second that motion. I thought your comment was funny. But I also understand that some people are more sensitive. I too have healthcare and no dental. Now close to retirement, I am getting more and more tooth problems, actually along with a bunch of aches and paines. Can hardly wait to use my voucher (NOT). Technology has come so far and here we have some brilliant repuck ideas to use WWII methods. TROLLS
berliner - thanks. I agree on the voucher thing. I'm 52, so that means I'd be screwed under the Ryan plan for Medicare. If they changed it to vouchers, I'm pretty sure I would consider suing the government for everything I've paid into the system, plus interest. Just write me a check and then leave me alone.
Fortunately, I believe we won't have to live that nightmare.
Probably not as bad as the DVD they are mailing to voters in Ohio.
I wonder how many of those fantasy flicks are simply marked return to sender?
With some of the really stupid schtuff they have been doing lately, you might want to take a closer look at those DVDs. Just saying......
"..the plural of anecdote is not data." A quote worth saving.
The whole "improve synergy" thing makes me think of that 30 Rock episode where Pete and Liz try to convince Jack to let them do the show in Florida and their presentation consists of "revenue streams...jargon...synergy!" and Jack, the Republican businessman, replies that it's the best presentation he's ever heard.
Ah it just proves he knows what he is talking about...That being prion synergy where infectious organisms can share their genes to hide from antibody tests.
Wow, lots of proof today (like there is every day) that Republicans are indeed morons.
Morons In Terror of Ticks (MITT) approved this message . . .
This is pandering taken to the extreme -- to be expected, I guess, from a candidate who is grasping at any straw offered to him.
Next week Romney/Ryan perform brain surgery on a lucky tea party member! Any volunteers?
brain - tea party. Another oxymoron.
Micro-Surgery --- done at high magnification with tiny, tiny scissors. Under a microscope --- so the surgeon can get "the big picture".
Yeah I realized I messed up with this one but then they do seem to carry off the walking upright challenge pretty decently.
Well, when you're the party that calls using data to determine whether treatments are effective as precondition to paying for them "DEATH PANULZ!!!!," this is how you think medicine should work.
Another use for trans vaginal probes?
Nope that wont work, silly, our bodies would shut down and prevent it from happening. (snicker)
And I thought this was just Romney-Ryan having a poo-retentive response to the VA Republican who had criticized Romney for spending time in Utah raising cash, instead of pressing the flesh in tight races. Who said it, "Mitt doesn't need to be in Utah raisng more money, he needs to be in Virgiinia running for Dog Catcher?" Hi I'm from the Government and I'm here to help you eradicate ticks from your dogs!!!
This is a real double-yoo-tee-eff story. Next up, Romney and Ryan will be the only thing standing between us and the Black Plague.
Actually that pretty well sums it up....But its not just plague, its dengue, anthrax, rabies, etc. etc. etc. We are tolerating them all.
What a stretch - pretty soon Romney/Ryan will blame the bogus bacon shortage on the Democrats. And they will think it is real. Every time I read things like this - I am more convinced that there is a need for campaign reform. Maybe the candidates would pay attention to the real issues, ALL the people they represent, and the truth.
I guess this is your first visit to our planet? ;-)
Romney's the tick, sweeheart!
No he really wants to be the Wizard of ID.
When it come down to treating the masses will you be offered antibiotics and stem cells for your stealth infections or will you be offered Chemo/Rituximab they now trial in all the syndromes? The one make them billions sending the bill to Uncle---the other not so much because their buddies do not own those patents or your stem cells....
BTW the right treatment is to kill the infections first and then stem cells. But we have no trials for the antibiotics they need....Just Chemo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yOno_2m_8LY
In the last 6yrs. NOT ONE antibiotics trial for the syndromes has been implemented to treat the real infections hiding in prion proteins. Nor has one blood test been developed in 30yrs. to detect prion synergy. They now culture prion in HeLa cells that have been used in vaccine for over 30yrs.
Which is nothing more than infectious organisms that can share their genes from criminal antibody tests that will not detect the infections if your are NOT MAKING ANY for That test
.
One of the circular plasmids is a prophage that exists as several isoforms in each cell
and can be transduced to other cells,
likely contributing to an otherwise relatively anemic level of horizontal gene transfer,
which nevertheless appears to be adequate to permit strong natural selection
and adaptation in populations of B. burgdorferi.
Genetics Volume 46 is November 02, 2012. Please see
http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.
Borrelia is able to share its genes in prion synergy with what ever it wants. That is why the masses of syndromes have Morgellons and most don't even know it unless they treat the borrelia and other infections.
http://www.morgellons-research.org/morgellons/morgellons-microscop3.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22962880
m Fam Physician. 2012 Jun 1;85(11):1086-93.
Diagnosis and management of lyme disease.
The real reason the AAFP/CDC/IDSA/WHO/etc. Throws LYME USA under the Bus is to protect their profits of all things immunological. Because in gene shareing stealth infections any infectious antigen given in the name of protection is infectious.
That is why the Lyme vaccines were criminal in their usage, their testing, and their guidelines.
All the syndromes including Diabetes are caused by infections.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/03/14/diabetes-linked-to-ulcer-causing-bacteria/
But you cannot vaccinate really sick people or they get the diseases that were intended to prevent. They just look like they have Autism, MS, ALS, Parkinson's, Lupus, Alzheimers, Lymphoma, Celiac, Asthma, Diabetes, etc. etc.
http://youtu.be/K9V-51duW8s
AIDS was a lie to protect profits. Because they knew in 1985 that spirochetal protein could not be killed. HIV has the same antigenic variation that spirochetes have because they share their genes, but so is everything else now thanks to 30yrs. of lies when they could have stopped the destruction of all of man and beasts---they did not.
Even after playing with Syphilis for over 50yrs. Infecting thousands in many countries.
They still get away with it every single day.
Mitt has no shame. Even he and the Ann should be embarrassed by what their advisors tell them to put out there. We in Virginia know how to go to the doctor if we lyme disease. Actually, we worry most about West Nile Virus. Get with the program. And, by the way, we don't like you here in "ole Virginie"!
I'm in NJ, and having had Lymes I can tell you the disease is no laughing matter. But for the Romney/Ryan ticket to pander to people who are genuinely suffering is pretty messed up. Especially when the candidates have probably have never even heard of the disease.
I unfortunately live in Virginia and the stupidity of this state is overwhelming!! The repubs that make up all but Northern Virginia in this state would believe anything the right wing told them. They have no minds for themselves, pack their guns and read their bibles!
Hey, not all of the rest of Virginia is Republican (haven't you ever heard of the People's Republic of Charlottesville?) Plus, you in NOVA have lots of military/pentagon republicans in your neck of the woods so don't be so smug.... We need to get Sponge Bob and his Cucinnelli-crazy sidekick out of this Odd Dominion, get Warner back in as governor and get Kaine into the Senate now...
The tactics of the Romney /Ryan Campaign, will probably end up in political science books and classes on what not to do, if you want a chance of winning a campaign. The mistakes are predictable and avoidable but this team, can't seem to not step in it everytime, It's actually amazing to watch.
It takes a parasite to know one.
I have had to call numerous times to the Republican Party Committee to stop calling my house. I have requested about 10 times to be put on their do not call list and they simply ignore it. I even called once and immediately got a recording "if you want to be put on our do not call list" -- if the start of your recorded message is that, you are obviously in trouble!!
If you can't get them to stop calling, do something subversive: Keep them talking, use up their time, string them along. Ask them questions (about, say, Lyme Disease.) They have fewer volunteers, fewer field offices, fewer people working the get out the vote process. Keep them from doing mischief.