Statements Vice President Joe Biden made on the Today Show were quickly “clarified” by the White House shortly after. He.jpg)
said he wouldn’t want anyone in his family to get on an airplane or ride in a subway. Words like these from the office of the Vice President carry weight, even in the case of someone who basically needs a Department of “Clarifications” for whenever they speak. And words like these have consequences.
Here in part is what he said:
If travelers were on the fence whether or not to go on a trip, either by train or cruise ship or airplane, a statement like Mr. Bidens is all they would need as a straw that breaks the camels back for their decision. Other unnecessary and obvious comments like “keep your hands washed, and cover your mouth when you cough” must further instill great confidence in our governments ability to react to this Swine Flu situation. So when do we get our government supplied surgical mask to go along with our tire gauge to save billions of barrels of oil?
The other irony to comments like these are that by and large people who normally agree with Mr. Biden are huge proponents of cramming as many people into a tight space, for instance light rail. The very thing he's now saying he wouldnt subject his own family to.
Just to put things in perspective, this from “Swine Flu: Nothing New” by Turi Mcnamee at True/Slant.Com, “As of this writing, 80 people in Mexico have succumbed to swine flu. By comparison, the CDC estimates that 36,000 people in the United States die each year of influenza-related illnesses.”
But never pass up a good crisis, right?
Comments
Most people are concerned about being in closed unventilated spaces with this going around, but for someone in his position to state this with as many supporters of his and the president hanging on their every work... not good. Instead it instills panic in an industry that he instead needs to give his support to. I also think the airlines need to enforce a policy that if someone shows up for a flight appears to be ill, give them a mask to protect the other passengers or if they are intoxicated...refuse boarding. In VP Biden's case, it would be to refuse boarding :)
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!