bad lettuce and the flu

I know I know,
I don't mean to diminish the pain
and suffering

of anyone who gets the flu,
whatever flu

it happens to be, and after dozens
of people
die from it,

it's truly tragic, regardless of age,
nationality, race
or creed.

everyone should live a long and healthy
life.

but the media
sounds the alarm over and over again
until there
is virtual panic

in the streets.

600000 people a year, in this country
alone

die from the direct result of cigarette
smoking.

not a peep. not a whistle, not a church
bell rung.

six people get sick from lettuce
or jalapenos

and they shut down the industry.
the hypocrisy is insane.