Not Exactly A Terror Alert...........But same principle

[bsnyder]

I think what I am trying to say is that my biggest fear is that this will be just like the ending of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." That a large number of citizens of this nation are going to actually ignore the warnings because of Bush's now known propensity to issue terror alerts in times of governmental crisis.

Wow, I've long been amazed at certain individuals' propensity to blame President Bush for anything and everything, but this takes the cake.

Personally, I'm not overly worried about the Bird Flu. But it has nothing to do with how or when President Bush addresses the issue.

 

[Independent]

I think those people will be doing the gene pool a favor, then.

Compassionate Conservative?

 

[Independent]

, but whether the vaccine is truly effective and beneficial, and the probability that the mutation can occur. I have heard conflicting evidence on the latter, and also concerns about vaccines. But if we think it can mutate, the time to take action is now

As somebody pointed out before - the virus has not yet mutated to human - to - human form. Therefore, any vaccine developed to combat the current strain will be useless when it actually mutates. (Notice I said when, not if.) And, once determined, it takes 9 months to create a flu vaccine - that is why each year's flu vaccines are based on what was prevalent the year before - or at least that is how our physician explained it to us. So, creating a flu vaccine is a best guess effort. Which, by all means, with something with this potential, is necessary. But right now, everybody is working with "what ifs." It is not going to happen tomorrow and neither is a vaccine. So, a calm and rational news piece in the morning paper, detailing the administrations plans would be appropriate. Not a panic inducing, cut into the networks, speech by the president.

My beef is not with the message itself, but with the timing and the panic manner the message was delivered.

 

[DawnCt1]

What panic???!!!

 

[luvwinnie]

What panic???!!!

I wish I knew. I read the full report and didn't get a feeling of panic from it.

 

[sodaseller]

(Notice I said when, not if.)

Are you sure on that? TNR had a piece saying it was not probable.

My beef is not with the message itself, but with the timing and the panic manner the message was delivered.

I understood your point - some will twist it because they slay straw men with far more apolmb.

 

[momof2inPA]

And when would you have them "roll it out".

Last year would have been the responsible time to "roll it out." A few weeks ago, there was a 3 billion dollar government allocation of money to combat bird flu. Why wasn't there a big headline, then? Or didn't Rush and Hannity carry that story? Wasn't it the headline on FOX 2 1/2 weeks ago?

 

[Planogirl]

My question is why even address the public at this time? President Bush isn't exactly known for just talking about these things just to hear himself talk.

Since the flu hasn't even developed yet what can any of us do? Besides worry that is.

 

[DawnCt1]

Last year would have been the responsible time to "roll it out." A few weeks ago, there was a 3 billion dollar government allocation of money to combat bird flu. Why wasn't there a big headline, then? Or didn't Rush and Hannity carry that story? Wasn't it the headline on FOX 2 1/2 weeks ago?

The infection in the bird population wasn't as wide spread as it is now. It is no longer just isolated in Asia. Announcing anything too soon causes information fatigue. People lose interest just when they should be gaining interest.

 

[Independent]

Announcing anything too soon causes information fatigue. People lose interest just when they should be gaining interest.

Bush wasn't too worried about information fatigue when he announced "Mission Accomplished" so long ago.

Why the rush to the networks the Tuesday after one of the worst weeks for this presidency?

I still maintain that if this was not meant to entirely refocus the nation on something that they can really feel helpless about, then why didn't it just become one of the leading news items on the 5:00 news? Why could I not read about the plan to throw 7.1 billion dollars at a maybe flu tomorrow with my morning coffee? He has set other policy without jumping to the airwaves like a major crisis is imminent. This is NOT breaking news.

His timing is exquisite. And hopefully, the majority of the nation will not be fooled. They will say - thank you for looking into this problem, now lets get back to that nasty stuff that is happening NOW.

 

[marybet]

The infection in the bird population wasn't as wide spread as it is now. It is no longer just isolated in Asia. Announcing anything too soon causes information fatigue. People lose interest just when they should be gaining interest.

Do you work for the administration? That is a really good spin.

Did you hear about the hoarding of Tamiflu? It may not be widespread panic but I think there is some out there.

Of course we need to be finding solutions but I agree with the other posters, the speech by Bush was not necessary today.

 

[momof2inPA]

The infection in the bird population wasn't as wide spread as it is now. It is no longer just isolated in Asia. Announcing anything too soon causes information fatigue. People lose interest just when they should be gaining interest.

On October 13th it was announced that bird flu was found in Turkey and poultry was being tested in Romania. I would consider that wide-spread, and that was roughly 2 1/2 weeks ago. You're grasping, Dawn.

 

[tobias sampson]

So, I am wondering if those fussing today are the same one's who would be blaming the admin. if the flu hit and we had not prepared at all? (Sort of like not spending money on new levies in NOL. I have no allegiance to this administration, or to any either. But this thread seems really nitpicky to me.

 

[Independent]

It's no surprise to those of us who have been paying attention. The administration has specialized in attempted misdirection anytime there's unfavorable news..let's review the timeline from the last couple of days;

Friday 2 PM: Indictments announced
Monday (next business day after friday) 8 AM: Supreme Court Nominee announced
Tuesday AM: Bush warns of Bird Flu pandemic

And don't forget the biggest "oops" for the administration.
Monday - Alito's own mother details to the press how her son the judge is against abortion.

And all of a sudden -
Bird Flu - the Pandemic is so pressing we have to have a stop-the-presses, interrupt the networks - speech on how we are going to save all the Americans.

 

[marybet]

So, I am wondering if those fussing today are the same one's who would be blaming the admin. if the flu hit and we had not prepared at all? (Sort of like not spending money on new levies in NOL. I have no allegiance to this administration, or to any either. But this thread seems really nitpicky to me.

I don't believe anyone thinks we shouldn't be prepared, we are just questioning the manner in which the announcement was made.

 

[denisenh]

I am fairly sure that it was the democrats in the senate pushing for money to be earmarked for research and development regarding the bird flu.

I watched Bush's speech that outlined the plan to "be prepared"... which is fine. A 3 step plan that I am sure he didn't think up all by his little ol' self.

Yes, it is the timing of his televised speech which was probably intended as a diversion. So what? Aren't we all used to that by now?

It's not just Bush's fault, but the media's as well, which instills panic in people that may not have the cognition (or whatever the case may be) to separate an immediate threat from a threat of the future that is being prepared for.

Wash you hands, eat well and be well rested.

Oh..... don't forget to get duct tape, plastic sheeting and stock up on Tamiflu everyone. Whoopee.

 

[Nancy]

In case you missed it, the "bird-flu" has been all over the news for the past month (at least). Amazing, really amazing.

Erin

yep I heard about the possibility of a pandemic in September. Not a new story at all.

 

[nwdisgal]

If we can only get him interested in the Mad Cow that has already hit this country, then we could kill two birds with one stone. No pun intended.