Turns out the Swine Flu has nothing to do with pigs.... but some countries are still taking drastic measures that may prove to be useless.
By WILLIAM J. KOLE and MARIA CHENG, Associated Press Writers William J. Kole And Maria Cheng, Associated Press Writers – Thu Apr 30, 12:23 am ET
From Egypt's order that all 300,000 pigs in the country be slaughtered to travel bans and putting the kibosh on kissing, the world is taking drastic — and some say debatable — measures to combat swine flu.
Egypt ordered the pig slaughter even though there hasn't been a single case of swine flu there and no evidence that pigs have spread the disease. Britain, with only five cases, is trying to buy 32 million masks. And in the United States, President Barack Obama said more of the country's 132,000 schools may have to be shuttered.
At airports from Japan to South Korea to Greece and Turkey, thermal cameras were trained on airline passengers to see if any were feverish. And Lebanon discouraged traditional Arab peck-on-the-cheek greetings, even though no one has come down with the virus there.
All this and more, even though world health experts say many of these measures may not stop the disease from spreading. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to the second-highest level, meaning it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.
"Scientifically speaking, the main thing is that every virus behaves differently," said Joerg Hacker, president of the Robert Koch Institute, Germany's top public health authority. "At the moment, the main issue is to get to know this virus, how it works."
In Germany, where officials confirmed three cases, Lufthansa announced that starting Thursday it will put a doctor aboard all flights to Mexico, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Experts said that makes sense: The doctors will be able to field questions from uneasy passengers and tend to anyone who might fall ill.
The World Health Organization said total bans on travel to Mexico — such as one imposed by Argentina, which hasn't had any confirmed cases — were questionable because the virus is already fairly widespread.
Roselyne Bachelot, France's health minister, said she would ask the European Union to suspend all flights to Mexico at a meeting Thursday in Luxembourg.
Travel bans were effective during the 2003 outbreak of SARS in Asia, because that illness can be transmitted only by people who already show symptoms. With flu, by contrast, the incubation period ranges from 24 hours to four days, meaning people often are infectious before they have symptoms.
Health officials don't know enough about swine flu right now to say what the precise incubation period is, but if it's similar to other flu, people are likely able to spread it before they're sick.
"WHO does not recommend closing of borders and does not recommend restrictions of travel," said Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the Geneva-based organization's flu chief. "From an international perspective, closing borders or restricting travel would have very little effect, if any effect at all, at stopping the movement of this virus."
Nor will killing pigs, as Egypt began doing Wednesday, infuriating pig farmers who blocked streets and stoned Health Ministry workers' vehicles in protest. While pigs are banned entirely in some Muslim countries because of religious dietary restrictions, they are raised in Egypt for consumption by the country's Christian minority.
Unlike bird flu, where the H5N1 strain that spread to humans was widespread in bird populations and officials worried about people's exposure to infected birds, WHO says there is no similar concern about pigs — and no evidence that people have contracted swine flu by eating pork or handling pigs.
"There is no association that we've found between pigs and the disease in humans," WHO spokesman Dick Thompson said.
But that hasn't stopped governments from banning pig products. Macedonia ordered a halt to all live pig imports and on Tuesday, Mexico City closed down all its popular streetside taco stands for at least a week.
Dr. Nikki Shindo, a WHO flu expert, said the agency will consider requests to stop calling the disease swine flu, since the virus is not food-borne and has nothing to do with eating pork.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and others have suggested a new name, arguing that swine flu implies a problem with pork products. China, Russia and Ukraine are among countries that have banned pork imports from Mexico and parts of the United States affected by swine flu.
But some anti-flu measures have merit, such as Obama's admonition Wednesday that more American schools might have to be closed temporarily if swine flu cases spread. Already tens of thousands of students in Texas, New York, California, Chicago and elsewhere are out of school.
The WHO said closing schools and public places, along with banning or restricting mass gatherings, can be a way to contain the spread of disease. Epidemiologists call it "social distancing," and the idea is simple: If you keep people who have the virus away from others, you can stop the chain of transmission.
"That's a technique we would be recommending in a pandemic," said WHO's Thompson. "We would recommend it to nations as a useful technique to be applied given the special circumstances of each nation."
Officials in Hong Kong, which has no confirmed cases, said workers were scrubbing public toilets every two hours in an effort to improve hygiene.
"Not only will we be stepping up our usual efforts, but also we will make special efforts to make sure that our back alleys, public housing estates, recreation and transportation facilities are thoroughly cleansed and disinfected," said Gabriel Leung, undersecretary for the Food and Health Bureau.
Experts, however, said it's debatable how much good disinfecting public places will do. It probably helps cut down on bacteria and kill viruses lurking on surfaces, but it's unclear whether it would stop person-to-person transmission.
Ditto the advice to stop kissing on the cheek, which was among the earliest measures — along with refraining from handshakes — to be recommended by authorities in Mexico.
WHO's Thompson was noncommittal on the "don't kiss" advice, saying only: "There are different national circumstances that health officials are going to know far better than we will. It's up to them to make that call."
But at a news conference announcing the elevated pandemic level, WHO chief Margaret Chan went further, suggesting it was time to rethink the traditional three kisses on the cheek popular in Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe. "Perhaps instead of having the traditional three hugs to say hello and welcome your friends, maybe you don't do that anymore," she said. "Don't hold each other and hug their face three times."
The flu virus is airborne and spread through tiny particles — mostly through sneezing and coughing. That helps explain why governments worldwide have been distributing millions of face masks, even though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and other agencies have questioned their effectiveness.
Some doctors warn masks might even be harmful, causing people to take risks — like venturing into crowds or neglecting to wash hands — in the mistaken belief the mask protects them. More expensive high filtration masks like those used by health professionals can filter out fine particles carried in the air, but even these must be used properly to give real protection.
Other measures, such as installing thermal cameras at airports to screen passengers from infected countries, are simply inconclusive. Scanners were set up across Asia during the SARS outbreak, but officials aren't sure they caught any cases. WHO says the usefulness of such devices is debatable.
Amid the flurry of measures being taken, fear mingled with a sense of fatalism.
"You can't protect yourself — not in the way that people are traveling nowadays," said Karin Henriksson, 56, of Stockholm.
"Then you would have to put the entire population in quarantine. And you can't do that, can you?"
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Would you like a terrorist for a neighbor?
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gitmo-release24-2009apr24,0,7979465.story?page=1
Check out this story about Guantanomo Bay detainees possibly being released into America.......outrageous!
Check out this story about Guantanomo Bay detainees possibly being released into America.......outrageous!
Napolitano- says veterans are potential terrorists!
Homeland Security replacing intel official
By Audrey Hudson (Contact) Friday, April 24, 2009
The head of the Homeland Security agency responsible for a controversial report that suggested veterans were being recruited to commit terrorist acts in the U.S. is being replaced by a former FBI and CIA official.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced in a statement late Thursday afternoon that the White House intends to nominate Philip Mudd as undersecretary for intelligence and analysis. Mr. Mudd is a 24-year career FBI official, who currently serves as the associate executive assistant director of the bureau's national security branch.
He replaces Roger Mackin, who was appointed to the post in September by then-Secretary Michael Chertoff.
Ms. Napolitano also says she will appoint Bart R. Johnson as the principal deputy undersecretary. Mr. Johnson currently serves as director of homeland security and law enforcement in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
"Both of these individuals bring extensive intelligence and national security experience to the department," Ms. Napolitano said. "In their new roles, they will lead the department's efforts to redefine how DHS works with the intelligence community and our federal, state, local and tribal partners to gather, analyze and share the information and intelligence needed to keep the homeland safe and secure."
Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the personnel moves were categorically not related to the intelligence analysis reported by The Washington Times last week.
She also said Mr. Mackin will move outside DHS, to the cybersecurity section at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The new detail for Mr. Mackin has been planned for several weeks and predates the April 7 report, Ms. Kudwa said.
The announcement came on the eve of a scheduled meeting between Ms. Napolitano and the head of the American Legion, who expressed outrage last week at the report, titled "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."
Under the heading "Disgruntled Military Veterans," the assessment said that "right-wing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat."
The report also suggested that state's rights activists, pro-lifers, gun enthusiasts and border-control activists could be lured into attacking the U.S.
Before joining the FBI, Mr. Mudd also worked at the CIA in 1985 and in various positions since, including a tour as deputy national intelligence officer for Near East and South Asian issues at the National Intelligence Council.
Mr. Johnson spent 25 years in the New York State Police Department, where he rose from trooper to colonel, serving in narcotics-enforcement and counterterrorism leadership positions.
Click here for reprint permissions! Copyright 2009 The Washington Times, LLC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKESXl143N4 Check out what Michael Savage has to say!
By Audrey Hudson (Contact) Friday, April 24, 2009
The head of the Homeland Security agency responsible for a controversial report that suggested veterans were being recruited to commit terrorist acts in the U.S. is being replaced by a former FBI and CIA official.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced in a statement late Thursday afternoon that the White House intends to nominate Philip Mudd as undersecretary for intelligence and analysis. Mr. Mudd is a 24-year career FBI official, who currently serves as the associate executive assistant director of the bureau's national security branch.
He replaces Roger Mackin, who was appointed to the post in September by then-Secretary Michael Chertoff.
Ms. Napolitano also says she will appoint Bart R. Johnson as the principal deputy undersecretary. Mr. Johnson currently serves as director of homeland security and law enforcement in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
"Both of these individuals bring extensive intelligence and national security experience to the department," Ms. Napolitano said. "In their new roles, they will lead the department's efforts to redefine how DHS works with the intelligence community and our federal, state, local and tribal partners to gather, analyze and share the information and intelligence needed to keep the homeland safe and secure."
Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the personnel moves were categorically not related to the intelligence analysis reported by The Washington Times last week.
She also said Mr. Mackin will move outside DHS, to the cybersecurity section at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The new detail for Mr. Mackin has been planned for several weeks and predates the April 7 report, Ms. Kudwa said.
The announcement came on the eve of a scheduled meeting between Ms. Napolitano and the head of the American Legion, who expressed outrage last week at the report, titled "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."
Under the heading "Disgruntled Military Veterans," the assessment said that "right-wing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat."
The report also suggested that state's rights activists, pro-lifers, gun enthusiasts and border-control activists could be lured into attacking the U.S.
Before joining the FBI, Mr. Mudd also worked at the CIA in 1985 and in various positions since, including a tour as deputy national intelligence officer for Near East and South Asian issues at the National Intelligence Council.
Mr. Johnson spent 25 years in the New York State Police Department, where he rose from trooper to colonel, serving in narcotics-enforcement and counterterrorism leadership positions.
Click here for reprint permissions! Copyright 2009 The Washington Times, LLC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKESXl143N4 Check out what Michael Savage has to say!
Obama to release terrorist in U.S.
Obama To Release Terrorists Into The U.S., Violating U.S. Law
Dear Military Families United Member and Supporter,
First, President Obama announced that he was closing Guantanamo Bay to fulfill two campaign promises without a plan on the future of the detainees. Then came the release of Binyam Mohammed, a terrorist who admitted to training at various al-Qaeda camps and has alleged to have plotted multiple attacks on American soil. After that came the announcement of two more GITMO releases, both of whom trained at al-Qaeda camps and met with Osama bin Laden. Today, Military Families United has learned that as many as seven GITMO detainees will be freed in the United States, which not only endangers the lives of American citizens but is a violation of U.S. law.
The seven terrorists, known as “Uighurs,” were captured on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and were trained at the al-Qaeda affiliated East Turkistan Islamic Movement (“ETIM”) Tora Bora camp. Many of you may recognize the name Tora Bora because in December of 2001, U.S. and Afghan forces were closing in on the location of Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora, Afghanistan.. Not so coincidentally the Uighurs were captured in the area around Tora Bora while Osama bin Laden was using an escape route from that region. And now these terrorists will be freed in the United States, no trial, no detention, no justice.
The release of these terrorists will not only endanger American citizens on our own soil but is against U.S. Law. U.S. law (8 U.S.C. 12 § 1182) which plainly states that any alien who had engaged in various forms of terrorist activity or training cannot be permitted into the United States. However, the Administration appears more concerned with the safety of these detainees than that of the American people and what our laws say.
We need your help to keep terrorists out of our country. If you haven’t signed our petition at DontFreeTerrorists.org, please do so today. Also, please send this email to 5 of your friends and family members to let them know about these newest developments.
Our brave men and women in uniform fought to capture these terrorists, only to be released onto US soil. We used to “fight them there, so we didn’t have to fight them here.” What kind of a message does it send our troops that while they are putting their lives on the line in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are chartering planes for those who they have captured to live in the very communities our military families live.
We need your help to let America know about the dangers of freeing suspected terrorists. We cannot allow our country be put in danger. Quotes from this morning’s papers:
“The Obama administration is preparing to free into the United States Chinese Muslims being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the first release of any of the detainees into this country, according to current and former U.S. officials.” – Chicago Tribune
“Officials have not said where in the United States they (Uighurs) might live. But many Uighur immigrants from China live in Washington's Virginia suburbs, and advocates have urged that the detainees be resettled near people who speak their language and are familiar with their customs.” – Los Angeles Times PS- We know the media won't cover this story fairly. We are depending on you - and your ability to "spread the truth". Please continue to help us by forwarding this email to your friends and family and ask them to sign our petition. One person can make a huge difference. Please click on the link - www.DontFreeTerrorists.org and help us defend our country.
Dear Military Families United Member and Supporter,
First, President Obama announced that he was closing Guantanamo Bay to fulfill two campaign promises without a plan on the future of the detainees. Then came the release of Binyam Mohammed, a terrorist who admitted to training at various al-Qaeda camps and has alleged to have plotted multiple attacks on American soil. After that came the announcement of two more GITMO releases, both of whom trained at al-Qaeda camps and met with Osama bin Laden. Today, Military Families United has learned that as many as seven GITMO detainees will be freed in the United States, which not only endangers the lives of American citizens but is a violation of U.S. law.
The seven terrorists, known as “Uighurs,” were captured on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and were trained at the al-Qaeda affiliated East Turkistan Islamic Movement (“ETIM”) Tora Bora camp. Many of you may recognize the name Tora Bora because in December of 2001, U.S. and Afghan forces were closing in on the location of Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora, Afghanistan.. Not so coincidentally the Uighurs were captured in the area around Tora Bora while Osama bin Laden was using an escape route from that region. And now these terrorists will be freed in the United States, no trial, no detention, no justice.
The release of these terrorists will not only endanger American citizens on our own soil but is against U.S. Law. U.S. law (8 U.S.C. 12 § 1182) which plainly states that any alien who had engaged in various forms of terrorist activity or training cannot be permitted into the United States. However, the Administration appears more concerned with the safety of these detainees than that of the American people and what our laws say.
We need your help to keep terrorists out of our country. If you haven’t signed our petition at DontFreeTerrorists.org, please do so today. Also, please send this email to 5 of your friends and family members to let them know about these newest developments.
Our brave men and women in uniform fought to capture these terrorists, only to be released onto US soil. We used to “fight them there, so we didn’t have to fight them here.” What kind of a message does it send our troops that while they are putting their lives on the line in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are chartering planes for those who they have captured to live in the very communities our military families live.
We need your help to let America know about the dangers of freeing suspected terrorists. We cannot allow our country be put in danger. Quotes from this morning’s papers:
“The Obama administration is preparing to free into the United States Chinese Muslims being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the first release of any of the detainees into this country, according to current and former U.S. officials.” – Chicago Tribune
“Officials have not said where in the United States they (Uighurs) might live. But many Uighur immigrants from China live in Washington's Virginia suburbs, and advocates have urged that the detainees be resettled near people who speak their language and are familiar with their customs.” – Los Angeles Times PS- We know the media won't cover this story fairly. We are depending on you - and your ability to "spread the truth". Please continue to help us by forwarding this email to your friends and family and ask them to sign our petition. One person can make a huge difference. Please click on the link - www.DontFreeTerrorists.org and help us defend our country.
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