Bush wants to use military if bird flu strikes
Bush wants to use the military to quarantine areas of Asian bird flu pandemic, should an expected outbreak occur.
Bush has faced a storm of criticism that imposing martial law in the US would violate the Possee Comitatus act, which basically says that the military isn’t for law enforcement. But the president (appearing to grasp the enormity of what a bird flu epidemic would mean) has faced the possibility of making such a grim decision and is asking Congress for the authority.
That has an eeriely familiar sound. I hope the president has consulted epidemiologists at the CDC while also asking for competent legal opinion from a broad spectrum of authorities before contemplating such action.
Ha! Who are we talking about here? He didn’t do any of that. But I agree with the president that the spectre of bird flu is a massive threat. Al-Qaeda couldn’t kill that many Americans on their best (worst) day.
If it did become necessary, it would be a better job for the National Guard (even though they are also under Possee Comitatus restriction). Sure wish they were all here, guarding the nation.
One other, little nagging thought: Bush in control of martial law. Hmmm…
Scary thought. But having recently read an article by DarkSyde at UTI about the Black Death that ravaged Europe in the 1300’s, what else could be done if things get bad enough? Anyway, look at the bright side: George could put Brownie in charge. He’s available.
What else could be done? That’s a good question for epidemiologists, who may have some insight into how well quarantines work (or not) and other measures that could address contagion.
Here’s a scenario: a man is trying to get his family out of the quarantine zone. He knows they aren’t sick and feels his government has abandoned them all to horrible death. His intelligence, courage and creativity will all be directed to circumventing the quarantine. Multiply that scenario by thousands. Can the quarantine be maintained? Will American soldiers shoot to kill parents seeking to save their families?
Here are a few suggestions for experts to review: require proof of vaccination before boarding a plane or train. Vaccinate school children, teachers, bus drivers, restaurant workers. A national campaign to eliminate the handshake as a means of greeting. The president can start sneezing into his elbow, like doctors do. Require new public construction to have automatic doors. Use the National Guard to seal our borders (millions of illegals come in every year – that should be done anyway). Push for international collaboration of the CDC’s counterparts in other countries (funded with the realization that we’re talking about national defense here). Require ultraviolet air cleaning in subways and planes (the Boeing 7E7 already has that designed in). Give Roche a billion dollars to release the patent on Tamiflu.
And most of all, teach school children some real history. When no one even notices that news agencies called the Tsunami “the worst natural disaster of all time” while ignoring the 1917 flu, people are really disconnected from our past. What was it George Santayana said about those who cannot learn from history?