Today according to most reports, Vice President Joe Biden opened his mouth and changed feet. He was asked about precautions in connection with the H1N1 flu virus.
Biden told a national TV audience he was urging his own family to stay off commercial airliners and out of subways for fear of catching the swine flu, a statement that went much further than any from the Obama administration. Then it drew a quick rebuke from a travel industry fearing a wave of cancellations – and an apology from the White House.
Oh, please! Joe was asked how he would advise his family, not the nation. And, Joe answered the question. Of course, we all know that what the VP says carries a lot of weight… supposedly. Joe said:
“I wouldn’t go anywhere in confined places now,” Biden said when asked about avoiding the flu.
He said he has told his family to avoid such modes of transportation as airplanes and subway cars where one sneeze can be recirculated and spread to everyone.
“If you’re out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes, that’s one thing. If you’re in a closed aircraft or a closed container or closed car or closed classroom, it’s a different thing.”
The Obama administration immediately issued a statement saying Joe’s advice is not public policy… a sort of apology for what some are saying is another of Joe’s gaffes or misstatements. “Boo” to the administration. Joe was asked a question and Joe answered it… about his family. And, sure even BernieHund knows that everyone got their knickers in a twist.
However, the administration and the public and the media must have forgotten a not so long ago event. Remember when the highly contagious TB patient decided to fly around the country and to Europe without regard for the health of others?
To assume that we are a responsible society is a bit naive. We are not. To assume that each of us will do the right thing is to be living in a world that does not exist. Besides, some people may be infected with the virus and not be aware of it. That person may come in contact with someone who feels great today but has less resistance to the H1N1 flu virus. So, let’s not slam Joe to the floor and kick him… again.
Joe Biden had the guts to face a little reality today. We cannot rely on our neighbors or fellow passengers on public transportation to care about anything more than themselves in many cases. We cannot rely on those who may be sick to do the right thing and quarantine themselves.
So, from the Hund… Joe, thanks for the honesty.
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