The FLU.....Kerry just blasting the message today.

[bush equals idiot]

Kerry campaign is just in the process of releasing a FLU commercial.

Apparently it is a huge issue. Seniors are furious they can't can't the shot. Long lines of people being turned away.

The irony is that Bush called on Canada , the country he doesn't allow drugs from, to please help us.

I think Canada just told Bush to take a flying leap.

[Sabriel]

1. Hey, watch your subject line. For a second there....

Now back to our regularly scheduled surfing.

[SoCalDemocrat]

7. Terrorists will get us if we use those drugs!

Don't forget shrub said the terrorists will poison us if we use the Canadian drugs.

[aquart]

2. Why do I feel there will never be another shortage of flu vaccine?

Now would be a good time to release a list of the congresspeople who voted for the vile Medicare fraud.

[yankeeinlouisiana]

3. Sweet!!

That was my first thought...why go to Canada. I thought those drugs weren't safe for the US. :eyes:

[Stephan_Ketz]

62. Same here!

[JohnnyCougar]

4. I hope that commercial points out the hypocricy

of the fact that Bush wants to get flu shots from Canada, yet other drugs might kill you!

[MatrixEscape]

5. The implications and

impact on Bush's capacity to protect Merika from bio-terroism is certainly important here.

The flu can kill thousands of people. It can have a dramatic impact on productivity and cost a lot regarding sick-time.

So, there are three talking points there:

1) How safe are we concerning bio-terrorism?
2) Preventable illness and deaths
3) Economic impact of an outbreak and lost productivity

Should this failure qualify Bush for another term? It is frightening.

[Papillon]

6. The Flu ad is up on the kerry site.

Here's the link.http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2004_1016a.html

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. An irony-rich environment.

Not only did Bush go groveling (unsuccessfully) to Canada to try to get some flu vaccine a few days after in essence equating Canada with a third-world hellhole that produces unsafe drugs that the 'Merkin People have to be protected from -- but the flu vaccine that was deemed unsafe was produced in Britain (so it's obviously OK to outsource that work) by an *American* company (Chiron), and was found to be unsafe by the *British* government! El Arbusto Stupido is really gonna come out of this one looking particularly buffoonish.

[sandnsea]

10. Pretty good

Although I think the stupidity of his "cure us not kill us" comment, then turning around and trying to get drugs from Canada is more powerful. Maybe this explains the problem and the hypocrisy at the same time though. Good ad, maybe it'll change some minds.

[caledesi]

14. Thanks WU. I love the "rapid response" Kerry. Canada? Say what? nt

[Seabiscuit]

20. So why did Kerry drop the ball in the last debate????

The moderator asked a direct question to Bush about the shortage of flu vaccine this year. Kerry had 90 seconds to rebut and slam Bush and dropped the ball bigtime, meandering into vague homilies about health care in general from his stump speeches. I was furious with him!

[RamboLiberal]

26. That was my one big disappointment in Kerry Wed

I sensed at the time he got a big hanging curve ball - and whiffed.

But still possible to catch up if you put that in stump speech. NBC news showed Kerry tonight talking about it. That and the ad helps.

[Seabiscuit]

53. Agreed - I'm glad Kerry's going for it now...

Too bad he whiffed on that big hanging watermellon in the third debate and missed an easy grand slam.

[Eurobabe]

21. Ouch, that's gonna leave a mark!!

[SammyWinstonJack]

34. George Bush Mess

Pretty much describes the past almost four years.

[bush equals idiot]

9. I thought Canada just gave payback

And here it is.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041015.wflu16/BNStory/Front/

[mzmolly]

11. Just read an article in Newsweek about this.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6256723/site/newsweek/

The author makes some excellent points.

We are on the brink of a public-health catastrophe three years after 9/11. Health officials already fearful about a possible flu pandemic were meeting in Washington last week when word came about the vaccine shortage. A front-page story in The Washington Post said a local Giant supermarket was like a scene out of Lourdes with elderly people in wheelchairs or with walkers and canes pleading for the vaccine. At the Giant near Leisure World, a retirement community in Maryland, there was a four-hour wait for the limited supply of vaccine. The elderly showed up at 4:30 in the morning with their lawn chairs to get a place in line.

What would this administration do if we were faced with a bio-terrorism attack? If they are unprepared for a predictable event like the annual onset of flu, how can the voters have confidence in the nation’s public-health system? Bush volunteered that he would forego a flu shot this year, and called upon others who are not at high risk to skip their shot, as well. That’s hardly reassuring since if Bush so much as sneezes, the finest doctors will be there to minister to him.

In the 18 days until the election, the candidates must look for ways to break through and get the attention of the voters. The lack of flu vaccine affects every family. It is ready-made to take off as a political issue. Someone made a mistake. Where is the accountability?

I'm not a fan of the Flu Vaccine myself, but I think that people should have it available if they choose it, and I hope Kerry will press this issue big time! :hi:

[Pithy Cherub]

12. After last year's flu debacle,

under the current regime one would think they couldn't do worse. This administation does not view American health as a national security issue - only their own wealth!

[caledesi]

15. Yeah. In fact, they hope that we DO die. nt

[Liberal Gramma]

37. Ya think this could be the Repub's SS Fix?

If you let a bunch of seniors die from flu, you won't need to pay Social Security to them, thus freeing up money we need to invade Syria.

[Skittles]

13. it IS a huge issue

seeing our nation's seniors having to grovel and stand in line for hours for something as basic as a freaking FLU SHOT is an unbelieveably obscene sight.

I think Canada is just trying to protect its own - they don't have it in for us, just that piece of shit Bush.

[bush equals idiot]

16. You got it.

And those seniors vote. Half of Florida is seniors. Maybe more.

It couldn't be more perfect that he now wants to get the drugs from the country specified in the bill he signed, which he actually made it illegal for any American to get drugs from.

It is now a class 3 felony. I think this will show up big in the polls.

[wildeyed]

35. It really scares me to see all those elderly people standing in line

for a flu shot. Flu can be life threatening for people in that age group. I feel lucky that I was able to get a shot for my 1 1/2 year old son after hearing about all the nightmares people are going through to get a vaccination.

[goodboy]

59. Wasn't Bush warned of this, but witheld the info? nt

[troubleinwinter]

17. Got my Kerry lawn sign this morning, took 30 mins to find a parking space.

I was coming out of the grocery, there was a voter registration table with K/E signs, bought one and asked about the buttons. Lady said they were free. I gave a donation and said, "For a very good cause."

The lady pointed over at the line of elderly people in wheelchairs, walkers, on lawn chairs, wrapped clear aound the block, waiting hours for flu shots, and said, "There's the proof."

[mcg]

18. Bush lied - his blocking of drug purchases is about drug company profits

Bush not allowing the purchase of drugs from Canada has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with the profits of his donors.

Political contributions by drug companies showing percentage to Republican party:

Bristol-Myers Squibb $2,211,338 86%
Pfizer Inc $2,042,547 86%
Eli Lilly & Co $1,458,485 82%
:
<http://www.knowthecandidates.org/ktc/RepubContrib.htm>

<http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/contrib.asp?Ind=H>

He claims that he doesn't want to run peoples' lives but that's exactly what he's doing.

[Iceburg]

19. Flu Facts from JK site ... About 36,000 Americans Die from Flu Each Year

...
“Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and approximately 36,000 people die from flu.”

Up to 180 Million Americans Could Benefit from a Flu Shot .
“Last year, Gerberding said, about 83 million doses of the vaccine were used out of a stockpile of 87 million doses. Under normal conditions, as many as 180 million Americans could benefit from a flu shot, she said.”

Vaccination Cuts Flu-Related Deaths by 70-80% Among Seniors.
“Vaccination is the principal measure for preventing influenza and reducing the impact of epidemics. … Among the elderly, vaccination is thought to reduce influenza-related morbidity by 60% and influenza-related mortality by 70-80%. Among healthy adults the vaccine is very effective (70-90%) in terms of reducing influenza morbidity, and vaccination has been shown to have substantial health-related and economic benefits in this age group.”

[DemBones DemBones]

23. Thanks for posting that data! We had a number of posts

about the dangers of flu shots last night, wish I'd thought to go to CDC for the facts myself.

I am a high risk patient, though not a senior citizen, and I'm outraged that I haven't been able to get a flu shot. Tomorrow, I have to start looking again.

[Iceburg]

33. Sorry for your predicament ... in Canada you can't swing a bat

without knocking into the many portable clinics that the country mobilizes each season ... every workplace, shopping mall, medical clinic, doc's office etc. You practically have to beat off the flu-shot solicitors --- "got mine"; "yes got one last week ...."

I think it is outrageous how this administration continually fails to protect its own people. The phrase "organized crime" comes to mind.

Good luck in your search.

Iceburg in Canada

[Cha]

45. What is even More "OUTrageous" is

almost half of the U.S. citizens are like the chickens voting for Colonel Sanders..they either don't know bush doesn't give a fuck about them or they don't care.

[Iceburg]

48. Yes, I see ... Germany 1933 all over again

[Cha]

51. Only they didn't have us Dems in

Germany in 1933..We Will Stop the little Fascist!

[bush equals idiot]

25. It get's even better.

GAO: Shortfall by Even One Manufacturer “Can Significantly Impact Overall Vaccine Availability”. “The circumstances that led to the delay and early shortage of flu vaccine during the 2000-01 flu season could repeat themselves in the future. Ensuring an adequate and timely supply of vaccine, already a difficult task given the current manufacturing process, has become even more difficult as the number of manufacturers has decreased. Now, a production delay or shortfall experienced by even one of the three remaining manufacturers can significantly impact overall vaccine availability. …

In the event of a future delay or shortage, determining the most effective means of changing this traditional behavior will be beneficial.” p. 22, www.gao.gov]

GAO: Still No System to Ensure that Vaccines Reach Neediest in the Event of a Shortage . “Despite efforts by CDC and others, there remains no system to ensure that persons at high risk for complications receive flu vaccine first when vaccine is in short supply.”

[Shopaholic]

22. My parents are Seniors and they are FURIOUS about the flu vaccine shortage

But so am I. I'm on immune-supressant therapy for my severe arthritis and I'm considered high-priority for the vaccine and my family doctor doesn't have it and neither does my arthritis doc and neither do any of the local health department in my region.

Drug and Grocery Stores that usually have flu vaccine clinics have either cancelled them or folks are showing up 4-6 hours or more before the clinics start to stand in line. And of course, there are more customers than vaccines available. This is very serious stuff here and could end up costing Chimpy quite a few votes.

My parents are both Dems so they were already solid votes for Kerry but now they're raising hell on this issue with their Repug friends and trying to get them to change their votes. My Mom actually thinks it's a conspiracy between Tony Blair and * since the drug was being made in England and all the doses had to be destroyed. Who knows what the long-term fallout from this will be?

[burrowowl]

60. The company in England

is an American subsidiary.
U$ pharma don't want to produce flu vaccines or tetanus for that matter because the profit margin is not high enough for them.
Most of the drugs have been researched and found by the NIH (our tax dollars) and then given away to American pharmas, who spend more money on ads than research.

[LisaL]

24. It's a huge issue.

What if we have a flu epidemic?
That would affect millions of people.

[bush equals idiot]

64. No doubt this will affect millions of people.

I understand there are usually about 87 million doses available, and 84 million are delivered.

This is a monster problem for Bush. It emphasizes how he has no clue about health care, plus he was warned about this very problem several times.

To top off everything, he's asking for the help of the people's drugs he outlawed and called unsafe.

This is going to be in the news every day. Seniors will be getting more and more outraged. Bush is screwed any way he goes.

[LittleClarkie]

27. Even CNN is talking about it

They just showed a report that showed the President talking about getting flu vaccine from Canada in one debate, then talking about the dangers of Canadian drugs in another, saying that the flu is taking over the election discussion.

Good. Score one for Kerry.

[KittyWampus]

49. But... But...Kerry Said The Word LESBIAN

:D

[LittleClarkie]

52. He did!?

The horror... the horror...

I thought it was funny Friday night as I manned the front desk at Kerry HQ. I don't know if this is normal, but one lesbian and one gay man came in on my shift for signs, buttons and yard signage. The gay man was beside himself, saying "I don't think I can take for more years." That has been a very common phrase I've heard. He committed for as much volunteering as they can use him for.

A woman came in wanting rainbow signage. As she stood there waiting her turn, somehow we got on the subject of the debate. She said when she heard what Kerry said about Mary Cheney, it didn't phase her. It never occurred to her to take it badly.

I was glad to hear from them both.

Now on to the FLU! Get Bush!

[gordianot]

28. About time.

This is the biggest issue of the election. How in the hell can this country protect itself from bio terrorism when they cannot provide flu vaccine.

Kerry and Edwards should be screaming about this.

[DemMother]

29. My mother had to try three times, the last time she waited

three and a half hours. At one point she went home to get a folding chair for another elderly woman who was having trouble standing. My brother is HIV positive and I'm hoping and praying his doctor ordered enough vaccine for his patients.

[gordianot]

30. We have a similar problem

A 91 year old Grandmother and have tried 4 times. This is an outrage!!!!!!!!

I am a lifelong card carrying Democrat, I expect and demand that John Kerry address this issue.

[bush equals idiot]

31. Hey Mr. Cheney

Does Mary or Lynne want a flu shot? heh heh.

[Ima]

36. quote

AD SCRIPT
Narrator: “Flu shots save lives. Three years ago, medical experts warned George Bush that a dangerous shortage loomed.Instead of fixing the problem, production of the vaccine was sent to a factory overseas – the vaccines were contaminated.Now Bush wants Canada to help, even though his own policies make it illegal for us to import medicine from Canada. Seniors and children wait. Not enough vaccines for pregnant women. A George Bush mess. It’s time for a new direction.”

John Kerry: I’m John Kerry and I approve this message.

[Cha]

47. Thank you! So the problem is bush

outsourced the job and it became contaminated and now he is up shit creek without a fucking paddle?

I'm just curious..what should he have done 3 years ago if he wasn't so gung ho on Iraq?

[SangamonTaylor]

32. I've got the flu, and it sucks

I came down with it on Thursday night, and I am sitting here in my house sweating and shivering...at least the fever dropped below 102...that wasn't fun.

Funny thing about this flu shot deal. My girlfriend, who works at Baylor Medical Center (24 in very good health) received the flu shot early last week. Apparently, Baylor Medical did not know that it was going to need to ration, and was just giving the shot away to whoever came by first. She said that they ran out of the shot a few hours after...I had been read about the shortage online before baylor medical even knew it had a shortage!

University of Houston Medical Center (according to my old roommate) was giving the flu shot out to whomever came by as well....

to me there doesn't seem to be a very affective system of coordinating and controlling such problems...makes me very scared about possible biological attacks...

[wildeyed]

38. Here in NC, they appear to have done a good job rationing

the flu shots. I got one for my 18 month old, babies in that age group are considered high risk, but none for my 4 year old or any other family members. Guess we will be doing lots of hand washing this winter.

I have heard that elderberry extract helps with flu symptoms. They have done clinical trials and everything. Hope you feel better soon. Flu sucks.

[SangamonTaylor]

41. thanks, i'll have to try the elderberry...

i've been working a mix of theraflu and green tea which seems to be working. hopefully, if i keep myself hydrated i can beat this bug down in a few more days.

[Cha]

44. We sell a lot of Elderberry at the

co-op where I work..all the natural healing elements.

Golden seal is good, too..nature's anti-biotic.

[faithnotgreed]

57. zidzi - i often feel like your posts are similar to what i would write

then again here, you say you work at a co-op and recommend elderberry and goldenseal for cold & flu

i love co-ops, and am 100% into alternative medicine and healing...

the only thing i would add to your recommendations of elderberry and goldenseal (and i know you werent being exhaustive here, just naming a couple things)// i would add fresh garlic, grapefruit seed extract, alcohol free echinacea, zinc, vitamin c etc as well as washing hands well with hot water and soap

i just got sambucol immune system "syrup" (echinacea, elderberry, zinc, propolis, vit c, sweetener), have echinacea & goldenseal combination, lots of vitamin c etc

take care zidzi. just wanted to say hi, and im glad to hear you work at a co-op. one of the local ones here in washington dc is the takoma park co-op and i love it there. small but organic and for the people!
right on

[bush equals idiot]

39. Sorry to hear how you're feeling.

What dedication to be be posting with a 102.

But this one, there's no spin in the world for him. He's screwed, take consolation in that.

If perish the thought, he by some sleaze would steal the election again, I can't decide now whether I want to move to Amsterdam or CANADA. lol

[CityHall]

42. The biological weapons response is a mess

I'm reading a book called "Germs" that came out before 9/11, and it's been a problem for a long time. No one wants to own the issue because there's no glory when nothing happens. The drug companies don't want to make vaccines for dangerous diseases because there are no non-government markets, the government won't indemnify them, and there's no way to test on humans.

Also, remember what John DiIulio, former head of faith-based programs said:

"There is no precedent in any modern White House for what is going on
in this one: a complete lack of a policy apparatus. What you've got is
everything -- and I mean everything -- being run by the political
arm. It's the reign of the Mayberry Machiavellis."

[noamnety]

40. I don't want to hear another word from the right

We need to shove this in their faces every time any rightwingnut brings up the supposed long wait for medical care that you get in places like Canada when you try to "socialize" medicine.

[Cha]

43. You think Canada told bush

to "take a flying leap"?

I haven't been paying attention to this issue, unfortunately..why is the lack of flu shots ..the bushes problem?

[bush equals idiot]

46. zidzi see post #25

He was warned in the flu season shortage of 2000/2001 that great consequences could result if not corrected. It also ties into his entire neglect of health care.

[Cha]

50. Thanks, I just read that he sent the

job overseas and it got contaminated..and I know exactly what you mean by "It also ties into his entire neglect of health care"

bush has gotten away with every sneaky passing of bills by congress on healthcare(seemingly) and now this creature of Fate is rearing its Ugly Head and biting him in his neglectful behind.

[lasttrip]

54. "Canada just told Bush to take a flying leap."

wonder what they would tell kerry?
should he ask?

[bush equals idiot]

56. A poll was just done about world sentiment

toward Bush. Israel is the only country that wants Bush re-elected. Even Russia was split almost 50/50. Canada wants Bush out by a huge margin. There's your answer.

[Sparkly]

55. Last year I got the flu THREE times!!!

I got pneumonia twice and pleurisy once last Winter, and I promised myself and my family that this year, I'd go ahead and get a flu shot. Oh well.

What REALLY matters is how many people who are much more vulnerable to disease than I am can't get a shot this year, in the most prosperous nation in the world!! Parents, grandparents, veterans, children, people already suffering from health problems... Something is VERY wrong -- why doesn't every voter see it?!

[TrogL]

58. I get my flu shot on Tuesday

[shivaji]

61. I can see the repugs saying "see how a govt screws up medical delivrey"

My understanding is the dept of health was in charge of
buying and distributing the vaccine. It was botched big time.

[gordianot]

63. Yes Repugs screw it up when they control the government.

[DaveinMD]

65. not just seniors

my wife was very fortunate to get the shot. She's pregnant. Our friend who's also pregnant hasn't been able to get the shot.