@ old curmudgeon: You adults in the 50s didn't know then that you were being played. One modern example of what began in the 50s and later exploded due to reckless expediency: Many today still believe that fat is bad. Give me a break. Open up the mind or don't. Your choice, but facts are facts.
@ oh8eleven: "Baby boomers?" I think not. That means the rate per 100,000 would remain flat corresponding to population growth; it did not. See below. What happened in the early & mid-20th century? I know; look it up.
I've researched the matter and it is clear that people are appallingly-ignorant of one simple fact: We survive in a hostile environment because of our biology and despite our actions to the contrary. In the very early 20th century the "big city" drinking water problem was addressed (I will not use the word solved), but we were poisoning ourselves and still-ignorant to this day about the truth of the matter. Human actions greatly-compromised human health in the 20th century and we were later told it was "natural."
Total BS. Arguing that compromising public health is progress is...well, quite progressive. A comprehensive review of medicine, science & education is long overdue. I personally fault lack of leadership. Since this POTUS has so much on his plate, I do not expect anything to change in the next 20 years or in my lifetime...a pathetic footnote for those who have grandchildren.
@ Mears: If you all want to know the truth, pull the heads out and use that tool in front of you. My chapter on vaccines is a mere snapshot into the reality of the failings of our medical and scientific institutions and if we cannot rely on open-minded Conservatives to undo a century of damage not just to our government, but to education, medicine & science alike...
...then we are doomed.