PERSPECTIVES (10/8)

Bush's court pick and the killer virus on the horizon

by Jody L. Slaughter
editor and publisher

Put yourself in this scenario: You're the President of the United States. You're approval ratings have never been lower and you've just conceded responsibility for the inaction of the federal government during a major natural disaster that probably cost more American lives. Although you're not doing well in the polls, you still enjoy a large base of loyal supporters. Now the time has come to nominate a new judge to the Supreme Court. Do you nominate an acclaimed conservative to please your base, and hope to use your Republican majority in the Senate to push the confirmation through? Or do you nominate a moderate, someone whom both Republicans and Democrats can rally around, and try to stabilize your dwindling support base?

For Bush, the answer was simple: None of the above.

With the nomination of Harriet Miers, Bush has managed to anger both the left and the right simultaneously. That's not an easy task, especially from a president that has enjoyed near "rubber stamp" support from right wing religious groups, talk show hosts, pundits and elected officials for his entire term in office. When Rush Limbaugh and Al Franken are both bashing you over the same nomination, that might be an indication of trouble looming.

I personally am looking forward to the spin that is surely going to come out of the White House in the weeks ahead. In order for Miers to be confirmed, Bush is somehow going to have to convince conservatives that she's really a conservative while simultaneously convincing liberals that she's not really all that conservative. Should be a good show.

Outbreak

Now imagine this scenario: In April, an outbreak of severe respiratory illness is identified in a small Asian village. Twenty patients have required hospitalization at the local provincial hospital, five of whom die from pneumonia and respiratory failure.

The flu spreads and begins to make headlines around the world. Top health officials swing into action and isolate the new viral strain in laboratories. The scientists discover that the vaccine developed previously for the avian strain will only provide partial protection.

In June, federal health officials find airline passengers infected with the virus arriving in four major U.S. cities. By July, small outbreaks are being reported around the nation. It spreads.

As the outbreak peaks, about a quarter of workers stay home because they are sick or afraid of becoming sick. Hospitals are overwhelmed.

Social unrest occurs. Public anxiety heightens mistrust of government, resulting in diminishing compliance with public health advisories. Mortuaries and funeral homes are overwhelmed...

The next big Hollywood blockbuster? Nope. That's part of the Pandemic Influenza Strategic Plan from the department of Health and Human Services which was leaked to the New York Times this weekend.

So in addition to the dirty bombs and the freedom-hating terrorists, we now have the freedom-hating flu to look forward to. Be sure and stay scared folks.