Preparing For The Avian Bird Flu

Unless you have been hiding out under a rock somewhere there is no doubt you have heard about the spread of the Avian Bird flu in Asia and other parts around the world. It's transmitted from birds to humans and so far it has been confined to those who handle the animals. The fear is that the flu like virus could mutate and be spread from human to human causing a widespread outbreak or a pandemic. The 1918 pandemic killed over a half a million Americans, to give you an idea of what it can do. Also keep in mind that there were a lot less Americans in 1918. In fact the population has almost tripled since then. So a half million dead in 1918 would be equivelent to 1.5 million today.

So, President Bush took to the podium to announce his potential plan, a $7 billion initiative to get ready, just in case. The plan calls for stockpiling 20 million doses of vaccine, as well as passing laws to limit the liability of vaccine manufacturers. Because of lawsuits, the number of companies making the vaccine is way down. It would seem prudent and a good idea to do a little planning don't you think. Unfortunately not every one seems to think so.

Who doesn't think it is a good idea? Who would be opposed to such a plan? Naturally, the Democrats are opposed. Immediately after the president's speech, Barrack Obama, from the Socialist Republic of Illinois, and Teddy Kennedy, "the swimmer" from Massachuesettes, were on TV complaining about it. Of course, Mr. Teddy "Chappaquiddick" Kennedy played up the class warfare angle. Who would get the shots? Only the rich? What about the poor? Obama cried about who would be in charge of distributing the shots.

So ..here we are facing a real life possibility that millions could die in a flu epidemic? For the Democrats this is just another issue they can politicize. When are they going to share their plan with us?

Since Teddy is so worried about only the rich being able to get shots and the poor not being able to get any shots. I wonder if Teddy would be willing to give his shot up first? After all he is one of the richest people in America.