What no one is doing in the MSM is giving Bush a big “THANK YOU” for giving the public health agencies the capability of dealing with a health emergency in the post-9/11 era. All Obama and Napolitano had to do was to throw the switch, declare a “health emergency,” and the Bush system immediately went into effect. No panic, no fumbling or confusion, since public health agencies have been well-drilled. This is a description of what happened immediately in New York State:

. . .All local health departments and 22,000 health care providers, including hospitals and physicians have been notified to be on heightened awareness for respiratory illness. Individuals with symptoms consistent with swine flu, particularly clusters of cases, will be promptly investigated for early detection and to minimize potential spread.

DOH is advising hospitals and other health care providers on techniques to maximize protection of all staff and patients, and to promptly ship appropriate specimens to the DOH’s public health laboratory, the Wadsworth Center, which is preparing to receive an increased volume of respiratory specimens from suspected cases of swine flu. DOH has mobilized staff and is assessing its laboratory supplies necessary for flu testing as part of its surge capacity plan. Guidelines for testing, including safety precautions for personnel, will be circulated to all hospital and commercial laboratories who may receive specimens.

DOH will work with CDC on developing guidance appropriate for the public and providers of New York State. The nationwide situation is rapidly evolving and guidance is subject to change. In addition, DOH is monitoring respiratory illness throughout the State by tracking emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses, as well as monitoring the volume of Medicaid prescriptions for Tamiflu and Relenza, which are used for treatment of flu.

DOH is also setting up a toll-free number for New York State residents who have questions or concerns about swine flu. The hotline number is 1-800-808-1987. It will be available 24 hours a day, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2009.

http://www.hvpress.net/news/12.....04-25.html

Interesting how this is a system designed to contain the spread of the virus, while Obama and Napolitano have objected to doing anything about the border and incoming airline flights.

So should we conclude that since he’s a democrat he’s a ‘prepared idiot’? Or just a run-of-the-mill, common, ordinary, everyday idiot? Either way…………..

Yes, the good people in the front lines, those who will be triaging sick people (and exposing themselves to the virus in the bargain) are on it, and we don’t need any of TOTUS’ talking heads’ saying how THEY have it under control.

I predict a photo op of MO parading through a flu clinic, handing out flyers on how to deal with pandemics.

All of this will happen whether or not any cabinet level political appointees are chosen by the politician in the white house, or are ever confirmed by the politicians in the Senate. Any “response” on their part will be purely window dressing designed for the television.
Obama and Sanjay Gupta could both drop dead tomorrow, and the real “team” that is in place in this country to respond to a flu epidemic will still be at 100%.

hmmmmm.

So having allocated the money for a purpose that couldn’t be justified when the country was flush, they cover their arses as 900 million goes to relatively well-to-do labcoaters while 10% of the working class wonder where the next meal will come from