[A.Hun]

So, if a pandemic broke out, killing say...50% of CA's population, you would not want martial law declared and CA quarantined?

[vrwc0915]

Well I guess that depends if you live in CA.
If the same happened in your area would you like to be imprisoned?

[William Terrell]

So, if a pandemic broke out, killing say...50% of CA's population, you would not want martial law declared and CA quarantined?

Martial law is only supported when the civilian authority collapses. What you cite is a medical problem within civilian control. Military patrols would be appropriate only on the border in case of quarantine, not internally.

But what Mr. Bush envisions is not such a dramatic scenario. He proposes a military response to the threat of bird flu. Beware of the military response. Once in place it can be awfully hard to get rid of, and it can metastasize.

Also, what the President seems to mean, by the wording I heard, is the feds gong in without the governor's, or acting governor's, express invitation. That, my friend, is very dangerous. People die and more people are born, but military control, by it's very nature, can make the prospect of dying less important.

[Mrs. Shawnlaw]

So, if a pandemic broke out, killing say...50% of CA's population, you would not want martial law declared and CA quarantined?

I seriously doubt that would EVER happen. Everyone knows you chum for topfeeders with a can of corn.