Per Obama, "Flu kills thousands each year ..."

[righteousdude2]

Is this another "Al Quaida is like a JV team" moment? In his weekly talk to the nation Obama tells those listening to his weekly address that, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu. Every year thousands die from the flu!"

Well let's clue our Community Organizer in on the flu:

1) Most people die because they are older, sometimes younger, and already in a weakened physical condition;
2) And medical people providing medical care to people with the flu .... DON'T WEAR AIR TIGHT BIO-HAZARD SUITS, and they don't have to decontaminate their suits after treating you for the flu.

Does this man think Americans are stupid? Maybe he is a sort of simpleton, moonbeam kind of leader, but the death ratio for the yearly flu is NOT 60 to 70%. His attempt to calm America is wasted with ridiculous rhetoric, AGAIN. :thumbs:

The NY Times is so right on .... "Get a grip!" :sleeping_2:

 

[carpro]

Is this another "Al Quaida is like a JV team" moment? In his weekly talk to the nation Obama tells those listening to his weekly address that, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu. Every year thousands die from the flu!"

The man is an idiot. :BangHead:

 

[matt wade]

Is this another "Al Quaida is like a JV team" moment? In his weekly talk to the nation Obama tells those listening to his weekly address that, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu. Every year thousands die from the flu!"

It would be nice if a published author such as yourself knew what quotation marks meant. Most reasonable people would expect them to mean that the words inside the quotes are actually a direct quote from someone. You obviously have a different definition, because what you have in quotes, the President never said.

Now, let's look at what he actually said. Then, if people want, we can debate the facts and not some made up quote.

First, what we're seeing now is not an "outbreak" or an "epidemic" of Ebola in America. We're a nation of more than 300 million people. To date, we've seen three cases of Ebola diagnosed here-the man who contracted the disease in Liberia, came here and sadly died; the two courageous nurses who were infected while they were treating him. Our thoughts and our prayers are with them, and we're doing everything we can to give them the best care possible. Now, even one infection is too many. At the same time, we have to keep this in perspective. As our public health experts point out, every year thousands of Americans die from the flu.

Second, Ebola is actually a difficult disease to catch. It's not transmitted through the air like the flu. You cannot get it from just riding on a plane or a bus. The only way that a person can contract the disease is by coming into direct contact with the bodily fluids of somebody who is already showing symptoms. I've met and hugged some of the doctors and nurses who've treated Ebola patients. I've met with an Ebola patient who recovered, right in the Oval Office. And I'm fine.

Third, we know how to fight this disease. We know the protocols. And we know that when they're followed, they work. So far, five Americans who got infected with Ebola in West Africa have been brought back to the United States-and all five have been treated safely, without infecting healthcare workers

 

[Scarlett O.]

Perhaps President Obama did not direct stately the exact words, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu", but that IS exactly what he intimated.

I've had my flu shot and carry on normally and am not afraid of the flu. I do the "elbow" cough and require my students to do the same. We keep our rooms disinfected and wash our hands frequently.

I don't have to worry if persons near me are infected or not. With the shot and precautions, I stand a great chance of not getting it. And even if I do - there's treatment.

Most people aren't going to be around ebola patients, but some are.

And those people DO have to worry about it. Medical staff, international travelers, and more.

So, perhaps RD attributed a direct quote to the president that he didn't make, but the gist of what he said was understood by everyone who read it.

He is downplaying a very dangerous disease.

 

[Use of Time]

Perhaps President Obama did not direct stately the exact words, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu", but that IS exactly what he intimated.

I've had my flu shot and carry on normally and am not afraid of the flu. I do the "elbow" cough and require my students to do the same. We keep our rooms disinfected and wash our hands frequently.

I don't have to worry if persons near me are infected or not. With the shot and precautions, I stand a great chance of not getting it. And even if I do - there's treatment.

Most people aren't going to be around ebola patients, but some are.

And those people DO have to worry about it. Medical staff, international travelers, and more.

So, perhaps RD attributed a direct quote to the president that he didn't make, but the gist of what he said was understood by everyone who read it.

He is downplaying a very dangerous disease.

No he is not. He is being rational and calm and stating the situation as it is. We have three people with the disease, one already dead and the other two accounted for and stabilized. He is simply providing perspective to stem the media sensationalism that has quite frankly been disgusting.

 

[carpro]

He is downplaying a very dangerous disease.

Exactly.

He has no sense of proportion about how to do so properly, so he appears to be doing what he always does...talking down to the rest of us mere mortals.

 

[Crabtownboy]

Is this another "Al Quaida is like a JV team" moment? In his weekly talk to the nation Obama tells those listening to his weekly address that, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu. Every year thousands die from the flu!"

Well let's clue our Community Organizer in on the flu:

1) Most people die because they are older, sometimes younger, and already in a weakened physical condition;
2) And medical people providing medical care to people with the flu .... DON'T WEAR AIR TIGHT BIO-HAZARD SUITS, and they don't have to decontaminate their suits after treating you for the flu.

Does this man think Americans are stupid? Maybe he is a sort of simpleton, moonbeam kind of leader, but the death ratio for the yearly flu is NOT 60 to 70%. His attempt to calm America is wasted with ridiculous rhetoric, AGAIN. :thumbs:

The NY Times is so right on .... "Get a grip!" :sleeping_2:

His point still stands true. One person in the US has died of Ebola. Many more will die of flue this year. You chance of being no longer with us because of flu is much higher than from Ebola.

And, your point about the elderly and young and weakened condition is mute. Same folk would die in higher numbers if they had Ebola.

The increased deaths aren't necessarily because the strain of flu virus is stronger, but rather because so many more people get sick during a pandemic, such as:

1889 Russian Flu Pandemic - about 1 million flu deaths
1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic - over 40 to 50 million flu deaths, including about 675,000 in the United States. The flu infected over half of the world's population by the end of the pandemic.
1957 Asian Flu Pandemic - over 1 million flu deaths, including about 69,800 in the United States
1968 Hong Kong Flu Pandemic - about 1 to 3 million flu deaths
2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic - between 8,870 and 18,300 deaths in the United States and up to 203,000 deaths worldwide

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/kidsandtheflu/a/deaths-from-flu.htm

 

[carpro]

His point still stands true. One person in the US has died of Ebola. Many more will die of flue this year. You chance of being no longer with us because of flu is much higher than from Ebola.

And, your point about the elderly and young and weakened condition is mute. Same folk would die in higher numbers if they had Ebola.

Where is the shot we can take to prevent contracting ebola?

 

[Scarlett O.]

We have three people with the disease, one already dead and the other two accounted for and stabilized.

No, according to WHO and the CDC, "we" have about 8400 people with ebola and about 4200 of them are dead.

That's a 50% morality rate.

Granted, these cases are all but 100% across the ocean from us.

But, with international travel today being like walking across the street was in yesteryear, I don't understand what's wrong with having conversations that ask pertinent questions.

• Is it more contagious or infectious?

• How can I avoid coming in contact with it if I work in the medical field or with international travelers?

• Do I have anything to worry about where I live?

• Should we as Americans be limiting international flights from certain parts of the world right now?

• What should be the game plan on international flights if people exhibit symptoms of ebola or any other dread disease?

I don't have to ask any of these questions about the flu - dangerous as it is - because I already know the answers.

And the flu is preventable and treatable.

 

[Use of Time]

No, according to WHO and the CDC, "we" have about 8400 people with ebola and about 4200 of them are dead.

That's a 50% morality rate.

Granted, these cases are all but 100% across the ocean from us.

But, with international travel today being like walking across the street was in yesteryear, I don't understand what's wrong with having conversations that ask pertinent questions.

• Is it more contagious or infectious?

• How can I avoid coming in contact with it if I work in the medical field or with international travelers?

• Do I have anything to worry about where I live?

• Should we as Americans be limiting international flights from certain parts of the world right now?

• What should be the game plan on international flights if people exhibit symptoms of ebola or any other dread disease?

I don't have to ask any of these questions about the flu - dangerous as it is - because I already know the answers.

Yes but what is happening in a third world country without proper infrastructure, medical professionals and basic education is a far cry from the conditions we enjoy in the U.S. As much as I hear about the CDC bungling this thing it sounds like the two cases have been contained and stabilized. No doubt hospitals should update their protocols and their should be some basic education provided to the public that is in a potential zone but we do have the technology to care for, treat, and transport carriers of ebola to get the best medical care.

 

[righteousdude2]

Perhaps President Obama did not direct stately the exact words, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu", but that IS exactly what he intimated.

I've had my flu shot and carry on normally and am not afraid of the flu. I do the "elbow" cough and require my students to do the same. We keep our rooms disinfected and wash our hands frequently.

I don't have to worry if persons near me are infected or not. With the shot and precautions, I stand a great chance of not getting it. And even if I do - there's treatment.

Most people aren't going to be around ebola patients, but some are.

And those people DO have to worry about it. Medical staff, international travelers, and more.

So, perhaps RD attributed a direct quote to the president that he didn't make, but the gist of what he said was understood by everyone who read it.

He is downplaying a very dangerous disease.

Thank you sister....when I use my iPad, I still don't know how to copy and paste things, so I basically repeated what he intimated. It was not a direct quote, but the thought and idea was that the Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu!

None of you are able to debate or argue that he didn't make the claim that Ebola no more dangerous than the flu! So I guess I win! :wavey:

 

[righteousdude2]

No he is not. He is being rational and calm and stating the situation as it is. We have three people with the disease, one already dead and the other two accounted for and stabilized. He is simply providing perspective to stem the media sensationalism that has quite frankly been disgusting.

Look, if you want to protect the integrity of this POTUS, fine? The trouble is, he has no clue when it comes to giving us a good reason why a travel ban is not going to be imposed. He has no idea how dangerous ISIS is. And he has no clue as to the dangers of the flu versus Ebola!

Maybe the media is fanning the flames of sensationalism...but this POTUS has no skills or ability to put out the fires the media have started. Instead, he pours gasoline on each fire, making him look more stupid with each statement that comes from his mouth!

This guy should have never been elected POTUS. He was barely in politics. He had little experience as a state and federal senator. He rose from mediocrity to fame based on his smooth talk, and the desire of many folks to put a black man, ANY BLACK MAN, in the oval office!

I guess Clinton was not black enough.

America wanted their first black president, and what they got is proving day by day, week by week, month by month to be a poor excuse for chief executive. A man that still fails to see that the decisions put before him are now at his PAY GRADE!

Now the majority of rational, good intentioned, patriotic, hardworking Americans are paying the price of a narrow-minded vote led by the entitled, liberal whites, disenfranchised blacks, homosexuals, hopeful [in amnesty] Hispanics, and college-educated liberals who always wanted a revolution in this country!

Well, they succeeded, and now we have half the nation forced into allowing gay marriage; others permitted to sell recreational pot, and the peacenicks have nothing to protest and rally for, as they have an overly cautious, fearful man leading this nation in a world full of terror and power hungry communists and socialists! And now he is afraid to protect Americans from what could be the worlds most deadly illness? :flower:

Look, I'm sure Obama is a good man at heart. A good husband and definitely a good father. He's even a fantastic golfer who may have had a chance to go pro had he not been elected to POTUS! He just doesn't belong in the White House; he should actually be living in a two-story brownstone in Chicago or New York and organizing the community he lives in! His eyes were bigger than his skills and the ability to make the hard decisions! He talks a good talk, but is incapable of walking the talk, and now we are in a serious decline as a nation!

Sure other POTUS's helped to weaken this nation, but even Carter is beginning to look like a very good POTUS when compared to Obama! :smilewinkgrin:

 

[annsni]

I agree with what he said. The flu does not just kill the elderly and infirmed but those who are young and healthy as well. We in the US need not go into hysteria over ebola because it's more likely you will be killed in a car accident or die from a heart attack than you will be from contracting ebola. This will not be an epidemic here in the US. I honestly believe that. My guess is that we have seen the last of the cases of ebola here in the US right now. Yet thousands will die this winter of influenza including those who are healthy and have no prior health issues.

So what do we do practically? From October through March, don't touch your face, eyes or nose. Seriously. Wash your hands often. Exercise, eat well, stay hydrated. If you do not feel well, stay home so as not to infect everyone else because it's WAY easier to spread colds and flu than it is to spread ebola.

Let's also pray that the vaccines that are in the works will be effective and will set this disease in the same category as smallpox - only existing in a lab. Pray for those workers in other countries who are putting their lives at risk working in less than sanitary conditions fighting this deadly disease.

 

[Use of Time]

I agree with what he said. The flu does not just kill the elderly and infirmed but those who are young and healthy as well. We in the US need not go into hysteria over ebola because it's more likely you will be killed in a car accident or die from a heart attack than you will be from contracting ebola. This will not be an epidemic here in the US. I honestly believe that. My guess is that we have seen the last of the cases of ebola here in the US right now. Yet thousands will die this winter of influenza including those who are healthy and have no prior health issues.

So what do we do practically? From October through March, don't touch your face, eyes or nose. Seriously. Wash your hands often. Exercise, eat well, stay hydrated. If you do not feel well, stay home so as not to infect everyone else because it's WAY easier to spread colds and flu than it is to spread ebola.

Let's also pray that the vaccines that are in the works will be effective and will set this disease in the same category as smallpox - only existing in a lab. Pray for those workers in other countries who are putting their lives at risk working in less than sanitary conditions fighting this deadly disease.

This is how reasonable people with perspective think. Solid post.

 

[righteousdude2]

This is how reasonable people with perspective think. Solid post.

Agreed, it is a solid post. I may not agree, but Ann made a convincing rebuttal. Thanks Ann, and UOT for pointing this out :applause::applause::applause:

 

[kyredneck]

.... The flu does not just kill the elderly and infirmed but those who are young and healthy as well. We in the US need not go into hysteria over ebola....

This is how reasonable people with perspective think. Solid post.

Comparing West Africa w/the U.S. is absolutely not comparing 'apples w/apples'.

And Obama is absolutely correct with his attempt to stifle Ebola hysteria with his example of influenza:

"The 1918 flu pandemic (January 1918 – December 1920) was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic, the first of the two pandemics involving H1N1 influenza virus.[1] It infected 500 million[2] people across the world, including remote Pacific islands and the Arctic, and killed 50 to 100 million of them—three to five percent of the world's population[3]—making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history.[2][4][5][6]

Most influenza outbreaks disproportionately kill juvenile, elderly, or already weakened patients; in contrast the 1918 pandemic predominantly killed previously healthy young adults....."

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Comparing West Africa w/the U.S. is absolutely not comparing 'apples w/apples'.

And Obama is absolutely correct with his attempt to stifle Ebola hysteria with his example of influenza:

"The 1918 flu pandemic (January 1918 – December 1920) was an unusually deadly influenza pandemic, the first of the two pandemics involving H1N1 influenza virus.[1] It infected 500 million[2] people across the world, including remote Pacific islands and the Arctic, and killed 50 to 100 million of them—three to five percent of the world's population[3]—making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history.[2][4][5][6]

Most influenza outbreaks disproportionately kill juvenile, elderly, or already weakened patients; in contrast the 1918 pandemic predominantly killed previously healthy young adults....."

Lets see how fast it spreads when it hits the "Big Apple"

 

[annsni]

Lets see how fast it spreads when it hits the "Big Apple"

Influenza? It does every year.

 

[carpro]

We in the US need not go into hysteria over ebola because it's more likely youI agree with what he said. The flu does not just kill the elderly and infirmed but those who are young and healthy as well. will be killed in a car accident or die from a heart attack than you will be from contracting ebola. .

It's a valid argument, but I'll give you 2 or 3 reasons why it may not help.

1. We're used to the flu. We see it every year. You don't bleed out of your eye sockets and mouth with the flu. That type of illness scares a lot of people.

2. There is no shot we can take to prevent it and The mortality rate is astronomical compared to the flu.

3. Probably most important...The well has gone dry. Too many people don't trust the president. He has told too many lies about too many things. From a leadership standpoint, we are bankrupt. The smell of incompetence is all over this administration. At a time like this, about something as serious as ebola, he needs to be credible. He's not.

 

[Zaac]

Perhaps President Obama did not direct stately the exact words, "Ebola is no more dangerous than the flu", but that IS exactly what he intimated.

I've had my flu shot and carry on normally and am not afraid of the flu. I do the "elbow" cough and require my students to do the same. We keep our rooms disinfected and wash our hands frequently.

I don't have to worry if persons near me are infected or not. With the shot and precautions, I stand a great chance of not getting it. And even if I do - there's treatment.

Most people aren't going to be around ebola patients, but some are.

And those people DO have to worry about it. Medical staff, international travelers, and more.

So, perhaps RD attributed a direct quote to the president that he didn't make, but the gist of what he said was understood by everyone who read it.

He is downplaying a very dangerous disease.

He didn't intimate anything or downplay anything. Y'all just playing politics again as Matt showed what he DID say.

The longer this man is in office, the more irrational some of you become. Like Don said the other day

How can we say we preach truth when we don't practice endorsing the truth?

Some of you would do well to stop worrying about what you THINK he's trying to say and deal with what he actually says.

It seems to be the same way some deal with Scripture. Instead of dealing with what the words say on the page, we start saying stuff that we think is intimated.

PREACH THE WORD.

And deal with what the President ACTUALLY says. He actually SAYS enough wrong, crazy stuff that no one should have to make up new stuff.