Alert! Alert! Alert! (Wizbang)

The White House will be having a press conference at 12:30 PM EST on the dreaded "swine flu", as it has grown to pandemic proportions.

11 people in the US are confirmed to have the illness.

2 of those people, from Kansas, just returned from a visit to Mexico, where the flu is most prevalent.

All 11 have recovered or are recovering.

The White House, CDC, and representatives of the media will then have a press conference discussing why they covered SARS and "Bird Flu" as if they were to be the next plague-like illness, which amounted to nothing more than overblown fear-mongering.

For all of the hyped-up scare tactics that the media employed during the SARS outbreak, the virus, which was billed as the next world-wide medical disaster, killed 774 people, half of which were 65 years and older.

Dr. David Nabarro, Chief Avian Flu Coordinator for the United Nations, proclaimed the bird flu could kill 150 million people.

In reality, the total death count was 257.

Of course, swine flu could surpass all estimates. So tune into your local station, duct-tape your house, and do EXACTLY what the Obama administration says.

Your life depends on it. Or maybe not.

Kim adds: Unfortunately, US public health officials are slow on the uptake regarding this new outbreak.

U.S. public health officials did not know about a growing outbreak of swine flu in Mexico until nearly a week after that country started invoking protective measures, and didn't learn that the deaths were caused by a rare strain of the influenza until after Canadian officials did...
Whether delayed communication among the countries has had a practical consequence is unknown. However, it seems that U.S. public health officials are still largely in the dark about what's happening in Mexico two weeks after the outbreak was recognized.

Asked at a news conference yesterday whether the number of swine flu cases found daily in Mexico is increasing -- a key determinant in understanding whether an epidemic is spreading -- Anne Schuchat, an interim deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, "I do not know the answer to those questions."

Let's hope the answers we get today are more informed.

Founding Bloggers asks:

If a bunch of Americans die because of a slow response by the Obama administration, will the sponsors of the Bush Legacy Bus start their engines on the Obama Legacy Bus? Those sponsors of course being Americans United For Change, SEIU, AFSCME, Move On, and others. You know, the people who elected our current President.

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Section Editor: Maggie Whitton

Editors: Jay Tea, Lorie Byrd, Kim Priestap, DJ Drummond, Michael Laprarie, Baron Von Ottomatic, Shawn Mallow, Rick, Dan Karipides, Michael Avitablile, Charlie Quidnunc, Steve Schippert

Emeritus: Paul, Mary Katherine Ham, Jim Addison, Alexander K. McClure, Cassy Fiano, Bill Jempty, John Stansbury, Rob Port

In Memorium: HughS

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Comments (37)

Uh, Shawn. I get your sarc... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by DaveD | April 26, 2009 12:18 PM | Score: 1 (5 votes cast)

DaveD:

Uh, Shawn. I get your sarcasm but this disease can be a serious problem if not handled properly. Give the White House a chance to lay out what they know and what they want to do.

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:18

Dr. David Nabarro, Chief... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by TruthBrigade | April 26, 2009 12:21 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)

TruthBrigade:

Actually he said,

"5 million to 150 million deaths"

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:21

A pre-emptive "no."... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by Adrian Browne | April 26, 2009 12:24 PM | Score: -7 (7 votes cast)

Adrian Browne:

A pre-emptive "no."

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:24

Hey Shawn, you should apply... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by Tina S. | April 26, 2009 12:26 PM | Score: -4 (10 votes cast)

Tina S.:

Hey Shawn, you should apply for a job with FEMA. I'm sure you would do a heck of a job!

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:26

Who's Obama?... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by Elmo | April 26, 2009 12:35 PM | Score: -4 (4 votes cast)

Elmo:

Who's Obama?

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:35

Give the White House a c... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by Tina S. | April 26, 2009 12:37 PM | Score: -7 (9 votes cast)

Give the White House a chance to lay out what they know and what they want to do.

And then no matter what Obama's response is, no doubt Shawn will say it is the wrong response.
depp=true
notiz=multiple sockpuppets, throwing rocks.

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:37

<a href="http://www.washing... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by maggie | April 26, 2009 12:47 PM | Score: 0 (4 votes cast)

maggie:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/25/AR2009042501335.html

Posted on April 26, 2009 12:47

Hey Shawn, do you think tha... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by Tina S. | April 26, 2009 1:05 PM | Score: -9 (15 votes cast)

Hey Shawn, do you think that swine flue is not real threat...just like you think global warming is not a real threat?

Posted on April 26, 2009 13:05

Obama gets in a roun... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by Adrian Browne | April 26, 2009 1:06 PM | Score: -5 (9 votes cast)

Obama gets in a round of golf on a sunny morning

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5huSNmNuOM7efqSOexr5FlnMZFZWgD97Q7SB00

Posted on April 26, 2009 13:06

Start the countdown for how... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by sanssoucy | April 26, 2009 1:10 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)

sanssoucy:

Start the countdown for how long it takes Obambi and his staff to start using the Lethal Scourge Of Swine Flu(TM) as a justification for socialized medicine.

"Never let a (phony) crisis go to waste."

Posted on April 26, 2009 13:10

Is it going to be like this... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by jp2 | April 26, 2009 2:01 PM | Score: -10 (12 votes cast)

jp2:

Is it going to be like this for the next (at least) 4 years? You're going to get mighty tired from all the petulant whining.

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:01

Remember Rahm's "Never let ... (Below threshold)

12. Posted by GarandFan | April 26, 2009 2:19 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)

GarandFan:

Remember Rahm's "Never let a crisis go to waste!"
Now would be a perfect time to scream at Congress TO CLOSE THE FUCKING BORDER!

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:19

On another note; the left a... (Below threshold)

13. Posted by GarandFan | April 26, 2009 2:24 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)

On another note; the left always criticized Bush for his 'emergencies' and 'climate of fear'. How come Obama gets a pass? Seems like each week there is a new 'crisis'. Maybe it's just the nuance.

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:24

Is it going to be like t... (Below threshold)

14. Posted by Peter F. | April 26, 2009 2:45 PM | Score: 7 (9 votes cast)

Peter F.:

Spoken like an expert who did it for the previous 8 years.

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:45

On another note; the lef... (Below threshold)

15. Posted by Peter F. | April 26, 2009 2:50 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)

On another note; the left always criticized Bush for his 'emergencies' and 'climate of fear'. How come Obama gets a pass?

Like the media's going to point out the hypocrisy of the man they helped elect.

Oh, and it would require some actual feat of journalism. You ask too much, GarandFan.

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:50

DaveD"Give the White... (Below threshold)

16. Posted by retired military | April 26, 2009 2:53 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)

retired military:

DaveD
"Give the White House a chance to lay out what they know and what they want to do.
"

Whereas this is true, I seem to have a feeling it is like this administrations actions are like watching the 3 stooges arrest the keystone cops.

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:53

Pandemic plan under Obama a... (Below threshold)

17. Posted by retired military | April 26, 2009 2:57 PM | Score: 9 (9 votes cast)

Pandemic plan under Obama administration

a. We only have capability to make 100 million doses of vaccine in time required.

b. Since old people take up too much health care money they will not receive any doses unless they are members of congress.

c. Top priority for vaccines are determined by speaker of the house and Senate majority leader. With the following guidance.

d. Nonlegal immigrants have been oppressed from getting health care so they will have the first chance to receive the disease so they get the vaccinne first.

e. Only school children enrolled in the Youth brigade will be given doses.

Posted on April 26, 2009 14:57

I certainly don't think I h... (Below threshold)

18. Posted by Paul Hooson | April 26, 2009 3:07 PM | Score: -1 (3 votes cast)

Paul Hooson:

I certainly don't think I have this flu, but I have a nasty virus illness my brother brought home to me from some sick homeless guys he was working with recently.

I can tell you there's no illness like some illness brought home from homeless guys. I've been in miserable condition for about 9 nine days now, where even eating solid food has been real difficult. Is this swine flu is worse than this, then we're really in trouble.

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:07

Janet the "Swine" Napoliana... (Below threshold)

19. Posted by 914 | April 26, 2009 3:19 PM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)

914:

Janet the "Swine" Napoliana is the perfect figurehead for this pigg outbreak.

Tina #8

Global scamWarming is a threat in so much as corrupt politicians like Barry and Barney, Al and Peg, will use it to steal everything you have. Including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:19

So tune into your local ... (Below threshold)

20. Posted by Brian | April 26, 2009 3:22 PM | Score: -8 (12 votes cast)

Brian:

So tune into your local station, duct-tape your house, and do EXACTLY what the Obama administration says.
Your life depends on it. Or maybe not.

Napolitano called the emergency declaration standard operating procedure -- one was declared recently for the inauguration and for flooding. She urged people to think of it as a "declaration of emergency preparedness."

Really, Shawn. Does it get tiring being hysterical so often?

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:22

Ahhh.Yes, Brian. ... (Below threshold)

21. Posted by Shawn | April 26, 2009 3:32 PM | Score: 2 (8 votes cast)

Shawn:

Ahhh.

Yes, Brian. The rehabilitation of Napolitano's image begins apace.

Really, Brian. Does it get tiring having a 2x4 stuck up your ass so often?

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:32

Lets see....1. It'... (Below threshold)

22. Posted by Gmac | April 26, 2009 3:36 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)

Gmac:

Lets see....

1. It's coming across the border from Mexico.
2. Tourists and illegal immigrants are the early sources of infection in the US.
3. In Mexico they are on the verge of halting all travel to prevent its spread.
4. Obambi dithers and does *nothing* except playing golf.

That's real leadership everyone can believe in.

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:36

Tina S.And my view... (Below threshold)

23. Posted by Shawn | April 26, 2009 3:50 PM | Score: 5 (9 votes cast)

Tina S.

And my view on global warming has what to do with my view on "swine flu"?

Nice way to introduce your friend, Mr. Strawman.

Try re-reading what I wrote to see how I was comparing the reaction to the "swine flu" to that of the other harbingers of impending doom which were supposed to befuddle man's ability to exist.

Onto a different subject..

What's your favorite flavor of kool-aid?

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:50

"Obambi dithers and does... (Below threshold)

24. Posted by 914 | April 26, 2009 3:54 PM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)

"Obambi dithers and does *nothing* except playing golf."

He has to relax a bit. Its tiring having to release a "78" strain of swine flu on the masses to promote your health care reform socialistic agenda.

Posted on April 26, 2009 15:54

You know what this means do... (Below threshold)

25. Posted by Adrian Browne | April 26, 2009 4:46 PM | Score: -8 (10 votes cast)

You know what this means don't you? No more Tea Parties. Sorry.

Posted on April 26, 2009 16:46

"you know what this mean... (Below threshold)

26. Posted by 914 | April 26, 2009 6:32 PM | Score: 3 (5 votes cast)

"you know what this means dont you? No more Tea Parties. Sorry."

That may have been the intent. But it will have an equal and opposite effect Nimrod.

Posted on April 26, 2009 18:32

I'm still fighting it also ... (Below threshold)

27. Posted by WildWillie | April 26, 2009 7:15 PM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)

WildWillie:

I'm still fighting it also Paul. ww

Posted on April 26, 2009 19:15

Congratulations agent 914, ... (Below threshold)

28. Posted by groucho | April 26, 2009 7:23 PM | Score: -3 (7 votes cast)

groucho:

Congratulations agent 914, you're not being fooled by this whole flu thing. Along with agent Shawn you're on to their devious plot to take over the world. Good work!

What else could explain this obvious sham of a plan by Obama and his puppet masters? Clearly they are only attempting to prevent further get togethers by the teabaggers, otherwise known as the twenty-percenters, intent on foiling his plan for world domination?

It would be Darwin's revenge if those who burned tires, drove their SUVs extra miles and chopped down a few trees on earth day continued with their mass gatherings and passed the flu around among themselves.

See ya..

Posted on April 26, 2009 19:23

Yes, Brian. The rehabili... (Below threshold)

29. Posted by Brian | April 26, 2009 7:45 PM | Score: -3 (9 votes cast)

Rehabilitation? She does something she claims to be SOP for a department she's headed for only three months, and you put it in some imaginary hysterical context. How the hell does that reflect anything at all about Napolitano's image? It says more about yours.

Posted on April 26, 2009 19:45

30. Posted by Sue | April 26, 2009 9:14 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)

Sue:

See, we're just using the same measuring stick that the left used when there were emergencies declared by President Bush. The left declared that it was all scaremongering and incompetence. We're judging Obama the same as you judged President Bush.

(Only in the case of Obama it's all true.)

Posted on April 26, 2009 21:14

So, are you mad because the... (Below threshold)

31. Posted by SATerp | April 26, 2009 9:48 PM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)

SATerp:

So, are you mad because the government jumped on it right away, or DIDN'T jump on it right away?

I'm no fan of the feds, but cut them some slack here....

Posted on April 26, 2009 21:48

It was clearly just a slam ... (Below threshold)

32. Posted by 914 | April 26, 2009 11:04 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)

It was clearly just a slam at the Obama administration. Nothing personal. He is after all My president. About the same age, with just a slight difference of opinion on matters like national security, social security, etc.etc.

Posted on April 26, 2009 23:04

Barry was golfing. Such a c... (Below threshold)

33. Posted by WildWillie | April 27, 2009 8:27 AM | Score: -1 (3 votes cast)

Barry was golfing. Such a caring president. I believe he was hosting a Superbowl Party when Kentuckian's were literally freezing to death. So much caring. ww

Posted on April 27, 2009 08:27

2012 GOP Prez nominee Jinda... (Below threshold)

34. Posted by larry dickman | April 27, 2009 1:52 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)

larry dickman:

2012 GOP Prez nominee Jindal derided monitoring volcano eruptions and then a volcano erupts in Alaska. Maine GOP Senator Collins demanded that funding for pandemic preparation be stripped from the stimulus.

No matter what you say or want, the opposite comes true.

You guys are awesome.

At this rate, you will all be gay-married to each other in a week.

Posted on April 27, 2009 13:52

Actually he said,... (Below threshold)

35. Posted by rodney dill | April 27, 2009 3:27 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)

rodney dill:

Actually he said,
"5 million to 150 million deaths"

Which makes " could kill 150 million people." correct, since it wasn't a direct quote. Doh.

Posted on April 27, 2009 15:27

36. Posted by MooseandSquirrel | April 27, 2009 4:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

MooseandSquirrel:

And even at the low end of his estimate -- 5 million -- that's a huge difference to the real death count of 257.

Posted on April 27, 2009 16:19

This just in: Party of No i... (Below threshold)

37. Posted by Larry Dickman | April 27, 2009 4:57 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)

Larry Dickman:

This just in: Party of No issues plan to fight swine flu: Tax Cuts for the wealthy.

Posted on April 27, 2009 16:57

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