For the Birds

We're being warned to prepare for the coming pandemic. Bird flu looms on the horizon.

Contingency plans have been announced. Mass quarantines. School closures. Stock up, they say.

Meanwhile, a real epidemic is occuring in several midwestern states. Mumps has reappeared, with new cases reported every day.

Bird flu is discussed in nearly every newscast. Be alert. Be prepared. Be afraid. A TV movie next Tuesday will promote a climate of fear.

The mumps epidemic registers barely a blip on the public screen.

I don't know what's going on. But I am always wary when the government and mainstream media make such a big deal over something.

What are they hiding? What is not being reported? What are they not telling us?