There are two subjects that I try to steer clear of. One is religion, and the other is politics. I guess that’s part of the social brainwashing that hasn’t been completely cleansed yet. There are many social phobias that I’ve been able to overcome, but these two subjects are still areas I don’t like to write about or talk about. One of the reasons I don’t like to discuss either issue is that emotions tend to run very high, and far too many times, others don’t allow individual freedoms to think or believe what they want.

Both subjects have firmly entrenched beliefs that for some reason force poeple to shove their own views and opinions down someone else’s throat. Weather you agree or disagree with my views pertaining to either subject makes little difference to me. While you may not agree with my views, I can most certainly find an abundance of people who do agree. I’m confident enough in my own views to allow them to stand on their own merit.

There are times however when either religion or politics cross certain barriers and for the sake of news need to be written about. Electing our first African American President was news worthy for example. It made very little difference if you where a Democrat, Republican or Independent last November when the country elected President Obama.

Late last week, the Travel Industry got it’s first whiff of Administrative stench when Vice President Joe Biden told the entire country via “The Today Show” that we should opt for staying at home rather than traveling.

“I would tell members of my family – and I have – I wouldn’t go anywhere in confined places now. It’s not going to Mexico, it’s you’re in a confined aircraft when one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft. That’s me. I would not be, at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway. So from my perspective, what it relates to is mitigation.

“If you’re out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes, that’s one thing. If you’re in a closed aircraft or a closed container, a closed car, a closed classroom, it’s a different thing.”

Being that this came from an Elected Official and tied to politics, it’s caused quite an upheaval in the travel industry. Mind you, the travel industry is an already emotionally charged and extremely opinionated demographic. The Vice Presidents quote, much like the swine flu story is far more that just an industry story however and has gained National attention and exposure. TripAdvisor Mexico forums saw an increase in swine flu-related discussion with 1,043 posts between April 21 and April 28. The actions and the comments from inside the industry, compared to outside the industry solidifies for me at least how badly this industry needs a major overhaul in attitude.

Both the Air Transport Association and U.S. Travel Association released statements in order to “correct” the Vice President to manage the perceived blow the industry took when the Vice President made the statements. What’s even more amusing to me were some of the comments made by agents themselves telling the Vice President to “put a sock in it” and that the statements made last Thursday were more dangerous than the swine flu itself.

While contracting swine flu is certainly unfortunate, there are currently 226 cases here in the states, with one death in Texas recorded by the CDC. (as of 11:00PM May 3rd) The World Health Organization has reported 985 cases confirmed Internationally, with more than half of those originating in Mexico. (as of 6:00AM May 4th) Based on these current stats, and comparing them to either the US or world population, I’m not so sure the danger is as drastic as some would perceive it to be.

But it certainly get’s a ton of attention doesn’t it?

As with most everything that gets any type of media attention, when you compare these numbers with the world’s population, anyone looking at this logically, can see how minimal your chances are of coming in contact with this flu. If you’re concerned about the flu for yourself and your family, it’s best to get your information from departments designed to offer proper medical advice, or your family physician. While I certainly respect the Vice Presidents personal choice to protect himself and his family, I wouldn’t consider him an authority on the subject of swine flu.

I do love how so many get worked up over such comments however. Providing ample documentation that they, be it the Air Transport Association, U.S. Travel Association, or independent travel agents themselves consider the Vice Presidents opinions on just how to control desease valid.

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Tags: Joe Biden, Mexico, Swine Flu

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 7:00 am and is filed under Home Based Business, Personal Responsibility. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.