[DC native]

I can think of several possible reasons:

1) Possible need for boosters for American citizens, whether newly vaccinated under 30 years of age or previously vaccinated but immunological status uncertain

2) Extra vaccine for our immediate neighbors, Canada and Mexico, with American interests at heart, and rightfully so

3) Extra vaccine to quell fires elsewhere in the world (an airplane is an awesomely efficient disease vector)

4) Extra in case our supply is comprised in some way, whether through human error, theft, sabotage, whatever...

I think it's a prudent approach to take. Besides, who knows how many people are really in this country?? Perhaps The Shadow do, but the gubmint don't.

[fliberman]

Maybe smallpox is destined to go where AIDS failed to decimate enough of the world's population. Of all the world's diseases, the selective paranoia is more indicative of a plan, than a fear.

Remember that all the anti-terrorism legislation was written long before 9-11.

Check out the proposed "Emergency Health Powers" legislation.

Sounds as though the powers-that-be are cornering the market on the vaccine. That's a lot of global political leverage.