New Outbreak of “Swine Flu” receives global attention

Global health officials are closely monitoring an outbreak of “swine flu” in Mexico and other parts of the globe, including five U.S. states.

People who plan to travel to travel to Mexico should check the Centers for Disease Control website for the latest information:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx

The World Health Organization will meet again Tuesday to examine the spread of strain of the swine flu and decide whether to raise the alert for a possible pandemic.

Canada is the third country after the U.S. and Mexico to have confirmed cases of the virus.

Over 100 people have died as a result of the flu in Mexico.  There are 20 confirmed cases in the U.S., but no deaths.

Prevention Tips from Centers for Disease Control

Based on what is known so far, officials at the CDC urge people mainly to stay informed and practice good hygiene:

• If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the disease. Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone.
• Wash your hands often and cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Go to the hospital if you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing. But if your symptoms are mild, stay home to avoid exposing others.
• Masks may be recommended for health-care workers and others who come in close contact with swine-flu patients, but there is no need for the general public.
• It is safe to eat properly handled pork. Cook it to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Saturday’s Town Hall Meetings

“Many constituents have asked me about the President’s recent trips abroad.

“Every new President has the right and a responsibility to develop his own policies – domestic and foreign.  President Obama is now completing 100 days in office and has taken the opportunity to steer U.S. policy in new directions.

“He’s America’s President.  I recognize that.  But I do not have to like where he’s taking this great nation.

“There used to be an old adage that ‘politics stops at the water’s edge.’  In essence, political posturing stopped when elected officials traveled overseas.

“That’s why I was deeply disappointed when the President chose to ’apologize’ several times for what he sees as the ‘sins’ of his predecessors and of America:

1. He told the French that America has shown arrogance, and has been dismissive, even ‘derisive’ toward Europe.  (The same Europe which refuses to step up to the plate and do more to support NATO’s mission in Afghanistan.)
2. In the Czech Republic, he said we had a responsibility to pursue nuclear disarmament because we were the only ones to use a “nuclear weapon.”  (Which saved hundreds of thousands of U.S. lives.) 
3. He told Latin American leaders that America had not engaged with our neighbors because we ‘failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas.’  (This is coming from a person who opposes the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement which will benefit both nations!)
4. He also seemed to blame Mexico’s economic and drug crisis on America (instead of on Mexico’s failed leadership, corruption and outright bureaucratic ineptitude.)

“I do not think the President should be apologizing to anyone.  He needs to engage.  But not apologize.

“Sure, we’ve made mistakes.  But the President missed several opportunities to remind the world that the United States of America has done more to lift the oppressed and improve the human condition than any other country in the world.

“The White House says the President has now changed the image of America around the globe.  I am afraid that’s true.”