Comments on: Update III (12/12/018): Swine Flu “Patient Zero” (The Swines Are AWOL)

By: Mark F.

Mark F. — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:28:18 +0000

Actually, recent evidence suggests that HIV was introduced into the United States by an unknown Haitian around 1969:

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSN2954500820071030

At any rate, I’m not sure screening airline passengers for flu would work. People recently infected might not have any symptoms when getting off the plane. The disease is probably already in the United States, and even if it wasn’t the government is incapable of totally sealing the border.

By: JP Strauss

JP Strauss — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:18:49 +0000

You would think that, logically, this outbreak would be a great argument AGAINST globalization by the elites. You would be wrong.

By: B.K.G.

B.K.G. — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:01:24 +0000

Heard you on Mike Church this morn. Great interview, Great blog.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:53:39 +0000

Not to detract in any way from your point (excellent, as always) but rather to give credit where due, I would like to clarify that the Hong Kong government, and not the central government in Beijing, oversees matters of immigration (and economy) with regards to the former colony in accordance with Hong Kong’s autonomous status. Certainly, on both accounts, they deserve commendation.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:36:48 +0000

Could this be another, in the words of Rahm Emanuel, “never waste a good crises?”

Your last sentence is prescient, perhaps prophetic.

By: Barbara Grant

Barbara Grant — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:59:22 +0000

According to this report, airline passengers on flights arriving from Mexico will not be screened for the disease: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/26/napolitano-cdc-hold-joint-news-conference-swine-flu/
but according to this one, http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/altss/mobile/breakingnews/115120.php Mexico City airport officials were trying to prevent infected individuals from boarding planes.

One conclusion: Our government, negligent as usual in matters of our _real_ security, would be delighted if widespread infection occurred here. Heck, it would give them a chance to show they are “doing something” by means perhaps including strict quarantines, questioning of citizens (but not illegal border crossers), perhaps even detention. If they can somehow “trace” a branch of infection to “right-wing extremists,” so much the better!

By: gunjam

gunjam — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:46:31 +0000

Ms. Mercer: Excellent post. I had to chuckle when I read your prediction that the US will be blamed for this epidemic — very likely with racial (as in accusations of racist intentions) overtones!