[Newbiesaukee]

This is one of the few subjects discussed on the Forums that I do know something about. Although I will accept that the results presented are correct...so what. Where is the evidence that any of this means something? Bacteria, good, bad or indifferent are everywhere. The IMPLICATION is that we now need to be afraid to pick up the salt shaker but no proof is offered that the bacteria cause disease which would be the ONLY reason to present such a report.

Don't get me wrong. Bacteria can cause disease. Hand washing by folks in a hospital can save lives as can proper, relevant food safety practices at home and in restaurants.

In my opinion, the problem is the abysmal level of critical thinking in our country and the ignorance, willful or not, of scientific thinking. This lack of critical thinking is, IMO, a threat to our very existence with implications in science, politics, economics, etc.

The Internet, which can be a source of unlimited information,is a blessing or a curse depending on the ability to separate the good from the nonsense. This is really all that critical thinking means.

I know it is just a stupid report....but it typifies all that I find frightening in our society.