Pat Roberts says don't call swine flu swine flu; it's a "disservice" to farmers

[proud2BlibKansan]

WASHINGTON, DC – Due to the recent flu situation, Senator Roberts today urged preparedness, not panic, regarding the current flu situation at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing today. Senator Roberts, a senior member of the Committee, made the following remarks:

<skip>

"We’ve also taken important actions in this Committee through the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 and through general oversight to ensure that the agencies involved are better prepared. We are clearly prepared, but I want to caution that while this is serious, we should not be overreacting. Millions of Americans get the regular flu every year, that can result in tragedy. This new virus is real and it must be treated seriously.

"However, I have to say that I do not think the 24 hour news cycle is doing it justice and is unnecessarily creating fear among the American public and some of our trading partners. If you watch the newscasts on this issue, you’d think a pandemic was already occurring. Bottom Line: The American people need to be aware and able to protect themselves from the H1N1 virus, but we don’t need to terrify them.

"Since we’re talking about the media, I want to also point out that I represent a state that is a major agriculture producer. Every time some reporter or politician calls this the "swine flu" they are doing a disservice to agriculture producers in Kansas and throughout this nation.

"Call it what it is: The H1N1 virus. Quit trying to blame it on farmers and ranchers and current production practices. These claims do not hold water. A clear example of this over-reaction is Egypt’s decision to cull their entire swine herd despite any indication of this virus in their swine or human population.

<skip>

"Our swine herd and pork products are safe, and I encourage everyone here to enjoy a few strips of bacon with their breakfast. I know I will."

http://roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressRoom.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=f384ef0b-802a-23ad-4553-4e72223ec74e&Region_id=&Issue_id=

Hey Pat, now that you care so much about panic, where is that 911 report????

[Graybeard]

1. Why didn't he thank the Obama administration for doing exactly that?

Every spokesperson has used the H1N1 designation. Napolitano and Vilsack have never referred to "swine flu". The AgSec Vilsack sounded like a commercial for, "Eat your pork chops."

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Because Pat is a partisan asshole

This has been another edition of simple answers to simple questions. :)

[Graybeard]

9. So, so true.

Our President gave BushCo credit last night for preparedness regarding a pandemic. The difference is not lost on the public. Gracious vs. petty.

[Dr.Phool]

12. I call it by it's real name. The Smithfield Flu.

Everyone else should too.

The corporate farm flu.

[malaise]

19. Ding ding

We have a winner

[Coyote_Bandit]

2. Have you seen

what has happened to pork prices this week?

The prices paid to farmers - not the prices in the grocery store.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. No I haven't

Details?

[Coyote_Bandit]

15. A local tv station

did a news story last night on that very subject.

http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10275982

[Renew Deal]

5. There is confusion over eating pork

I've heard a couple jokes that people have eaten bacon and gotten swine flu. I think people are confused about this.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. I would never trust 911 Pat for the truth

His agenda is about the GOP, certainly not the people of Kansas whom he supposedly represents.

[dysfunctional press]

10. in egypt, they're killing ALL the pigs...it really is insane.

[RaleighNCDUer]

11. Actually, it is not.

Avian flu is endemic in Egypt now, and should this strain of swine flu cross with the H5N1 it could be devastating - high mortality with easy transmission.

It is extreme, but not insane.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

6. The Pat Roberts Flu.

:think:

[peekaloo]

8. diarrhea of the mouth

nasty!

[NorthernSpy]

13. I guess that's why Freepers are calling it "Mexican Flu"...

Because they'd rather do a disservice to Mexicans.


I'm for calling this flu strain by its rightful name, which is H1N1.

[JVS]

14. In honor of Kunta Kinte, I will be referring to it as "The white man's filthy pig meat flu"

[uppityperson]

16. Call it what it is: hini flu (H1N1=hini in lower case) nt

[Stevenmarc]

17. I really really wish they could have conected the flu to teabags

Then watch the fun begin

[malaise]

18. Please send this to Pat

http://www.grist.org/article/2009-04-28-more-smithfield-swine/