Note that the concrete biological threat from Iraq is anthrax, not smallpox. We don't even know if Iraq has smallpox, and it's utility as a weapon is much lower than anthrax because of the blowback potential. However, the "A" word is practically off limits for now, because if it assumed too much public prominence, various dots would be connected that for now are best left unconnected. But you'll notice that the infrastructure being put in place to meet the smallpox contigency is the same as would be required to meet the anthrax contingency. In fact, while we
could pre-vaccinate for smallpox, that is not a realistic option for anthrax -- at present, very rapid mass delivery of vaccine or antitoxins after-the-fact is the
only feasible approach to protecting the civilian population.
Just a reminder that the stated purpose of an action isn't necessarily the real purpose or the primary purpose.
Is Howard L. Rosenberg married to Barbara Hatch Rosenberg?
the funny thing is... at the end of that last post, I had written a closing tag line "Please, pass me the cipro!"
My thoughts EXACTLY...
then I erased it prior to posting.
I thought "wouldn't want folks to think I was being over reactive in my reasoning..."