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There is a sizeable, cautious, but not hysterical contingent on FR that believes we may have been exposed to smallpox at some time in the last week.
75 posts and no one has addressed this statement. This would be a very significant thing if so, to understate it immensely.
Who thinks this? When, where how? etc.......

I'm corresponding with many such FReepers that I met on prior smallpox/Halloween candy threads. I don't believe in calling people out in public; let them identify themselves if they will. I would say however that most of the people posting also believe it's a strong possibility. Like Y2K, it's basically a harmless thing to prepare for, but the consequences of not being prepared for smallpox are devastatingly worse. I remember watching television on New Year's, 1999, and ending the night absolutely ecstatic that all went well. What a spectacular sight the firework display on the Eiffel Tower was! I was able to laugh when I actually did get a bill citing my credit card useage in January 1900--because it all turned out to be no big deal. Frankly, I think a lot of effort went INTO it being no big deal.
There will be no fireworks to tell us when we can quit worrying about terrorism, however.

Like Y2K, it's basically a harmless thing to prepare for, but the consequences of not being prepared for smallpox are devastatingly worse.

Not only that but the cost of manufacturing enough vaccine for the whole population is not very high, only about $500 million for 300 million doses. When compared to other expenditures for national defence that is very little. The Pentagon is considering buying an additional 40 stripped down tactical B-2 bombers for $700 million each.