So why does the news media find it necessary to sensationalize the few infections and even fewer deaths from anthrax? It is rather irresponsible of the media as a whole to focus so intently on this alleged "outbreak" of anthrax. Such irrationality on the part of the media will only lead to paranoia and panic in the American people.

It’s not just the major media corporations. Most of us have probably seen the e-mail from Public Safety warning us to be careful about unfamiliar mail. For all those on campus worrying about receiving an anthrax infected piece of mail, there are a couple of things to remember. One, it is highly unlikely that anyone at RPI will be targeted with a piece of anthrax-infected mail. Most of the targets to date have been high-profile organizations; probably none of us are that important. Two, any piece of suspicious mail should be treated with caution, not simply because of this anthrax scare.