Freedom of BLEEP

As the world watches and waits to see whether the swine flu will become a global pandemic, the White House has decided that it’s not worth it to close the border with Mexico, the only country thus far to have fatalities associated with the illness. Over 2,000 people have been hospitalized, and 149 people  have died in Mexico, many between the ages of 25-45. The outbreak is so serious that the country is literally on the verge of shutting down. Other countries confirming infections include Scotland, Spain, and Canada, while New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, and France are conducting tests.

Within the United States, New York, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, and California have already confirmed cases of the swine flu. Yet, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano believes that passively screening entering Mexicans is perfectly adequate to contain the virus. “We are simply in preparation mode. We do not yet know how widespread this flu will be within the United States.” Considering the fact that a person infected with the virus might not exhibit symptoms for 24-48 hours, they may be feeling fine when they are screened.  Not that it matters, since even people who claim to feel unwell have not been allowed entry.   Napolitano is relying on “personal responsibility” and “common sense” of persons entering the United States. Good thing Mexicans coming into our country are taking this risk so seriously.

Napolitano’s rationale is at best naïve and at worst a flagrant disregard for the safety of Americans. But she’s already proven she’s not the brightest crayon in the box. The cases found in the U.S. have luckily been mild, but just because the virus has already been found in certain states doesn’t mean we need to allow many more infected people into our country. That would do nothing more than increase the chances of a larger outbreak in the U.S.  Although the World Health Organization has raised the pandemic threat to 4 out of 6, Obama promises that the situation is “not a cause for alarm.”  Let’s hope that a more serious problem doesn’t arise before Washington decides to act with common sense. No me gusta.