the article was lacking in any real criticism

This is the only reaction they can have - cannot combat with actual facts or criticism, just dismissal and mockery. It's easier to dismiss and mock, because the reality is too difficult to grapple with. For those complicit in this, it just feels better to pretend it's not happening and make fun of those who say (and display evidence) that it's happening. History will show and is already showing, the conspiracy is not a theory. We're not talking bigfoot here, we're talking dead people. These phrases will be even more chilling some day:

"we're all in this together"
"everyone do their part"
"protect the most vulnerable"
"address vaccine hesitancy"
"sudden adult death syndrome"