Super-Flu

Influenza pandemics strike every few decades, leaving nothing but pain, anger, and thousands of deaths in its path. Communities in the United States need to begin preparing themselves for the bird flu pandemic due to the white houses reluctance to do so. President Bush believes that it is our local communities responsibility, not the governments. Whether it be vaccines, hospital beds, or ventilators, the United States as a whole lacks the resources needed to face this evil pandemic this nation has been threatened with. Is this a problem for the federal government, or for the local communities? The fact that nobody has that answer should leave the United States worried at this point.

Some citizens ask themselves if President Bush has the nations best interest in mind. Of course there is a plan of action. The National Pandemic Response Strategy is a 227 page report of what to do incase a pandemic strikes. The white houses main defense, as stated in the report, will be simply to screen travelers from affected countries and diverting or quarantining flights that arrive with probably ill patients aboard. Health Officials argue this plan of action because of how highly contagious this flu can be. People can spread the bird flu 24 hours before even showing symptoms. This simple fact alone proves quarantining passengers may not be successful. Many people believe that this plan is bound to go wrong because No. 1, its just not physically feasible and No. 2 it will not prove any effectiveness. This incremental plan has already drawn complaints because despite months of talk about the threat of a pandemic, the administration hasn't accomplished enough.

The uprising of a pandemic will send this country straight into chaos mode. Families will panic, and the labor force will go on strike. Rioting and insubordinate acts may take place, putting citizens in more harm. Bush's report states that "Over 40% of the work force will be off the job for at least two weeks, because 85% of the systems that are vital to society are privately owned." This will hurt our economy in such a way, it will take months to

build back the losses. How can everybody do our part to minimize chaos? Volunteering for our local hospitals in times of crisis could be a start. Also, educating ourselves with the super-flu our country has become susceptible of will also do some good. Bush's homeland security adviser, Francis Townsend

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