It is, either directly or indirectly, on the minds of millions of Americans and foreigners alike. It's not a warm and fuzzy story either; doesn't involve a sexy movie, a celebrity mishap nor a trendy Facebook feature.It is the Ebola virus, the deadly virus in the news. And spreading too.
Two American doctors who have the illness were brought home to the US in Atlanta and that story alone has heightened the early hysteria making its rounds through traditional and social media alike. Fortunately, reasonable officials are fairly confident we here don't have too much to worry about. Nevertheless,Michael Savage, the syndicated, SF-based national talker, had an enlightened, if occasionally chilling but informative discussion of the Ebola Virus subject matter. It helps, too, that Savage has a Phd in epidemiology from Berkeley.
Savage began the program Monday reading from his own article asking why the American doctors were returned to the US. It wasn't reactionary nor heated, very much level-headed and legitimate about an item gripping the nation. "These patients should have been treated in Africa--there was no reason to bring them back to America."
Savage skewered CDC, (Centers for Disease Control), officials: "They're not doctors--they're politicians."
It was enlightening to hear a local program tackling an issue that, frankly, most of us don't know a whole lot about. Even as one of the doctors in Atlanta stricken seems to be getting better, another patient is being tested in New York for the virus. Chilling. Precisely all the reason Savage's program on Monday was both warranted and appreciated at least from this neck of the woods.
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Some Fox News blowhard was going on about this the other day. Apparently, it was this guy's duty to stay in Africa, and Obama was supposed to see to that.
ReplyDeleteHad to pick up a relative at the airport Sunday night and Karel was talking about the same thing, only with more hyperbole. That an infected person would be sitting next to you on a plane, or in an airport waiting area. The person vomits and some janitor has to clean it up, thus spreading the virus. Called for the same kind of health certificates that you have to have when you fly with your pet. Must be the end days, Karel and Savage agree on something.
ReplyDeleteHe was not sitting next to anybody on a plane. It was a specially equipped plane, not a commercial airliner. The kind of panic that Savage, Karel, and others are trying to spread is ridiculous and uninformed.
DeleteKarel was screaming about this last night. Oh wait, he screams about everything.
ReplyDeleteBased on the amount of space Rich Lieberman devotes to writing about Michael Savage, I have come to the conclusion that he is a closet conservative.
ReplyDeleteYet is afraid to publicly admit it.
We would have to be really F'n stupid not to guard that hospital as well as the White House. Where do you think the new prime target for the morally depraved sand fleas might be.
ReplyDelete"Precisely all the reason Savage's program on Monday was both warranted and appreciated at least from this neck of the woods."
ReplyDeleteWhat "neck of the woods" is that? The reactionary, unscientific, knee-jerk part of the woods that puts fear and prejudice ahead of humanitarian treatment?
By that logic, in the 1980s HIV patients in New York and San Francisco should have been quarantined.
Several medical staff at the Atlanta hospital to which the first patient was taken cancelled their vacation time in order to serve in that secure ward when he arrived. Karel and Savage are exactly the same with two exceptions: one is a millionaire with a dog and the other is just louder.
Also, for future use, "Precisely all the reason..." makes no sense.
When does common sense good practices become "fear and prejudice"?
DeleteEvidently, when you don't know what you are talking about.
"Common sense good practices" do not include banning US citizens from returning to this county when they are in need of advanced medical care.
DeleteSo, to be clear, you'd be in favor of having the US government prevent your mother or father, wife or child from returning to the United States for needed medical treatment?
And you would think it a "good practice" to condemn them to less inadequate medical care in Africa?
Often disagree with Savage, but I do give credence to much of what he has to say on medical/health issues.
ReplyDeleteUSAMRIID concluded that Ebola can spread through the air. http://t.co/h9OPYqhWXh three tests for Ebola strains:Mayinga(test for Ebola Zaire)
ReplyDeleteThis years beekeeper or clean suit will be next years inspiration for a fashion statement. Go ahead and giggle if you want to. The better houses of european clothing design are looking at line sketches as we speak. Dior will put that American girls Meat Dress to shame.
ReplyDeleteI watched Outbreak today, possibly a lot of truth in that movie.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying the hell out of white people going crazy about catching an African (scream!!!) disease.
ReplyDeleteMay I get you some fried chicken and watermelon with a side of government handout to enjoy while you're laughing? Or would you prefer a taco and frijoles with your government handout?
DeleteMore coming over the souther border, thanks to obummer.
ReplyDeleteBut sure, go ahead and believe they're all little versions of Moses and/or Jesus if you want to...
The Doctor was in Africa trying to help the folks over and do good things unlike the doctors here, all about money. It was at least we could do was to bring him home to his country.
ReplyDeleteIs this guy serious? He had a PhD in some obscure plant science, and has never held a job as a "doctor", excluding his self appointed position as one on the radio.
ReplyDeleteThey gave a serum to an infected doctor that may have cured him, which no one in the general public knew existed.
There have been times when Savage had discussed some medical issues which he may be an expert. But for the most part this guy has no idea what he's talking about when compared to true world experts. Experts who currently dedicate their lives to saving people. Experts who have jobs in these fields. Experts who have been employed. Experts who others refer to as doctors.
Not a jobless plant scientist.
Jesus.
If I had a nickle for every time one of these shyster, quack "expert" doctors commit malpractice, I would be as rich as they are. The only differences between the local crack dealer and the "licensed" prescription pill pushers are the white coat and the bullshit ruse that doctors are ethical.
DeleteSo you're saying that the doctors and scientists pushing an antidote for ebola, that is probably free, are somehow quacks who are committing malpractice?
DeleteOr are you just a moron? Which one?
2:32,
DeleteSavage has frequently targeted the reprehensible masses in big medicine/pharma, and I respect him for his courageous outspokenness on the matter. The third paragraph in 5:43's post contains some general statements ("…some medical issues…," "…for the most part…") regarding Savage and so-called "true world experts." , and my response was in that general context. I wasn't specifically targeting those who may be doing noble work, but a large number of greedy, wanton assholes who put drug company incentives and profit margins above the best interests of the general public.
So in other words you're getting on a soap box to speak out on an issue that isn't even at play.
DeleteAs for the "courageous" nature of Dr. Radio, that's hyperbole at its finest. He doesn't speak out because of perceived wrongs in the medical community. He does so because he's a bitter person who never made an imprint within it. In no way is he even taking a risk. If he is, please elaborate on what it is.
And yes, the people working at cdc, and others who develop antidotes for viruses like Ebola are in fact TRULY amazing people.
Big Pharma has flaws, but no wanna be plant scientist is saving lives like they are. Not even the ones who actually were employed.
Just because the guy can string words together, tell stories, while refusing to actually debate experts doesn't make him a real scientist or doctor
That doesn't end the day you receive an obscure phd. Alot of people do that.
This is a good forum for "getting on a soapbox," and many of us take that opportunity (including yourself). 5:43's general comments were "at play," and I replied with my opinions.
DeleteYes, Savage demonstrates courage when challenging an extremely powerful, often corrupt industry in a high-profile medium. Would you care to substantiate your claim that "He doesn't speak out because of perceived wrongs in the medical community. He does so because he's a bitter person who never made an imprint within it"?
I agree that many at the CDC do urgent, tireless, and valuable work in their attempts to prevent and control critical situations. And there are some in the health care business who are conscientious individuals with altruistic intent. So, I stand corrected for using an "absolute" tone when portraying physicians in my initial reply.
But there are still some strongly negative aspects that have become pervasive in the health care industry culture, and much too often the consequences are tragic. Not many are willing to take the risks associated with exposing those egregious situations, as Savage has to some degree.