The cycle of hype-to-panic-to- retrenchment that followed the recent outbreak of swine flu was entirely predictable. Same with hurricanes, same with terrorism, same with shark attacks. The mainstream media work hand-in-glove with statist bureaucrats to cultivate these neurotic episodes. Power accretes to the state when people are frightened, so the state nurtures fear. Eventually, people become desensitized to the panic; but, in the meantime, Leviathan grows.
A pox on the merchants of fear.
