Many countries are in a state of alert for a potential pandemic of the swine flu. Cultural differences, nuclear arms, drug wars, views on global warming and the pending collapse of the world’s economy are all put aside over what to do about the flu. Democrats and Republicans are even agreeing. Cases of the flu have been reported in several counties and there have been reported cases in Texas and a couple of other states. Everyone is set to impose quarantine orders and restrictions on travel. Mexico City has canceled all public events and even closed the churches today. It’s amazing how the flu gets everyone’s attention in Mexico and the country comes to a standstill but in a few days, when the flu has passed, the drug wars will resume.

It will take several months before a vaccine will be developed and in the meantime all we can do is quarantine folks and avoid human contact in large crowds. We need to cover our nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and be sure and wash our hands frequently.

In the old science fiction movie classic, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” the good alien, who had come from outer space to warn us to behave, got our attention by turning off the power. The flu is now getting our attention. Maybe the flu epidemic is not all bad. Maybe we could get several planeloads of flu victims and take them to Iran and North Korea and threaten to turn them loose if they don’t destroy their nuclear weapons. Who knows, the flu might even scare Osama bin Laden out of the caves.

I hope the world can ride this one out. At least, it’s got us cooperating with each other for a few days. Even China is willing to listen. Of course, we will never get the attention of the Muslim world. The flu has been sent by Allah to destroy the infidels and Muslims are immune. The Muslim women are protected because they have their face covered when out in public.

In the meantime, I’m playing it safe on the porch. I’m not going to permit any swine into the house and I have little human contact. I only wish there was a deer flu that was confined to the deer population.