B. Mann Consulting

Dave wrote about SARS briefly. Greg just sent me a link to a website that will do well among conspiracy theorists:

Rather than a public health emergency, the "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome," generally called SARS, is best diagnosed as a "Sickening and Repulsive Scam." This article argues that this unprecedented viral attack is, alternatively, an ingenious social experiment featuring institutionalized bioterrorism for widespread psycho-social control. The outcome of this experiment, whether it leads to population reduction or not, depends on you.

Read the full article.
Whether you believe all, none, or just some, it's an interesting thought experiment. I think there are some very interesting concepts, such as this quote:

humanity would not realize it had become conditioned into relinquishing personal and social freedoms for the mirage of health, safety, and security

I find that this conditioned reflex is already occuring with regards to fair use and copyright -- the entertainment industry is striving mightily to condition us to expect to not be able to do anything with the products we purchase.

Advertising to take flu shots might be considered in the same vein. Now I can get really crazy and speculate that one year, something a little extra is slipped into the flu shots, and only cantankerous free thinkers like myself will get hit by some super bug that wanders out. People that fall outside the "norms" of society, like street people, etc., would likely also all be affected. Perhaps others, like certain immigrant or ethic groups to home the flu shot campaign isn't as well marketed, could also be targetted. But that's enough conspiracy theory for now.