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:

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"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.

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"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????