The health argument is a calculated deception behind which hide those who want geese killed just for being a messy inconvenience. A public health scare, no matter how far-flung, makes a stronger impression than the rantings of some neurotic suburbanites or ornithophobes. Of the many, many permits that we have investigated, none of the claims could be substantiated with compelling scientific data. Hence, permits issued based on these claims are illegal. Those desperate to make the case that geese are a health risk must sacrifice accuracy for sensationalism.
Propaganda relies on the use of definitive statements and simple messages.
Complex public health issues cannot be accurately and honestly portrayed in simplistic soundbites. This statement was embellished with a variety of tabloid-like proclamations designed to give the impression that new evidence had been found to show that geese are a general public health problem. Those intent on creating this illusion were careful to ONLY provide the reader with the abstract of the study. It is natural for a group or individual with an agenda to present and interpret a given study to its own advantage. This is an excellent case in point.