"I would really like an answer to that. From someone."
I'm not involved in that particular argument, so you'll forgive me if I don't address it.
"WEST NILE COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN SENT BY EEEEEEEEEEEVIL (and very incompetent) IRAQI TERRORISTS!! AND THERE ARE RUMORS THAT SADDAM IS HOLDING THE REALLY BAD STUFF BACK for the time when he REALLY NEEDS TO SCARE US!!"
If I understand you correctly, your sole objection to even considering the possibility that WNV might represent an attempted terrorist attack is that it was ineffective? And, therefore, could not have been an "attack"?
Interesting about the Asian Tiger mosquito. Actually, I believe there was a very limited outbreak of dengue fever about ten years ago. In Florida, I think it was.
And, finally, may I reiterate what is the real significance of Leahy's remarks? Whether WNV was a terrorist attack or not is irrelevant. Instead, the mere fact that Leahy is prepared to consider them so is strong evidence that he has received information that the anthrax mailings were 9-11 and, thus, terrorist related.
I could care less what Leahy wants to do about WNV. What is important is why he believes WNV may be a bio-attack.
You misunderstand. I object to considering it an attempted terrorist attack because there is absolutely no evidence that it was introduced delibereately or spread in any way other than naturally. But even people who believe it might have been a terrorist attempt will have to admit that, as terrorism, it has been remarkably ineffective. And there are so many EASY CHEAP and QUICK ways to do it very effectively.
Only hypochondriacs seem to be "terrorized" by this...
Actually, I believe there was a very limited outbreak of dengue fever about ten years ago. In Florida, I think it was.
I now it was somewhere in the South, but it occurred prior to the Tiger mosquito introduction. The articles I read talked about how health officials were really concerned about another outbreak, since the new mosquito could spread it very effectively.