The juxtaposition of two recent items in the New York Times was striking.
First, there was the Sunday, June 13th frontpage photo of Presidential candidate John Kerry, helmetless, riding a motorcycle (accompanying the article "Behind the Scenes, a Restless and Relentless Kerry").
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Then, the very next day, in an article entitled "As Risks Make a Helmet More Vital, Fewer Motorcyclists Wear One," the Times writes, "The federal government is eager to reduce the carnage, but beyond advocating helmets, it is not sure how."
It is unfortunate that Mr. Kerry, perhaps in an effort to look "cool," is undermining the government's effort. This, from a man who recently fell off a bicycle!
Meanwhile, candidate Kerry and his allies continue to hyperbolize about remote scares for political points.
Jeff Stier is an associate director of the American Council on Science and Health. We notice that someone else noted the helmet irony as well, albeit in a more politicized way.