Destiny Survival

            “This just in.  Today has been cancelled due to lack of interest.”

            That’s what the P.A. announcer said on at least one “M.A.S.H.” episode.  Could it be the same thing has happened to the swine flu?  I read the other day that several European countries are canceling orders for the swine flu vaccine.  Several of our states aren’t using as much as they anticipated either.  One commentator says the swine flu epidemic has ended with a whimper.

            On the other hand, I heard someone on the news recently say February is the peak flu month each year, so we shouldn’t let our guard down concerning swine flu.  We may see a resurgence of it.

            As we’ve seen over the past few months, the swine flu hasn’t been that big of a deal.  What happened?  Was it a biowarefare experiment gone sour?  Or did those in power get what they wanted by putting a state of emergency into place with all its consequences for the future?  Will the next emergency mean less red tape to cut through because the path has now been made clear?

Naturally the World Health Organization feels justified in hyping a swine flu epidemic as they have.  Still, it hasn’t proven to be any worse than the regular seasonal flu.  It simply happened at a different time of year, since it started last spring, and has made a lot of money for the pharmaceutical companies making the vaccines.

            So, if it’s a non-issue, why bring it up at all?  Two reasons.  First, we may not have seen the last of the hype about it.  So be ready for it.

            Second—and this is my main point of concern–it’s things like this which cause many to ignore real threats.  Swine flu may ultimately be seen as one more cry of “Wolf!”

On the other hand, we’re still in a down economy and losing jobs.  It’s anybody’s guess as to when the dollar will collapse or how far it will fall.  Furthermore, hurricanes like Katrina or earthquakes like the one in Haiti can happen at any time, and we should be as prepared as possible in advance.

            I was among those sounding the alarm on swine flu last spring, but with some reservations, and I have no regrets.  It could have turned into a much bigger problem than it has.  However, the party may not be over yet.

As always, when it comes to potential threats, we must each use discernment.  That’s part of what the survival mindset is about.  As the book title says, “Be Alert, Be Aware, Have a Plan.”  Think survival.

View an update from early March 2010 on flu statistics.

            View info on drug company involvement in swine flu hype.