SMALLPOX PROVISIONS HIDDEN IN HOMELAND SECURITY BILL

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) ^ | 11/14/02 | AAPS

[jd777]

SMALLPOX PROVISIONS HIDDEN IN HOMELAND SECURITY BILL

The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) is urging Members of Congress to eliminate the section of the new Homeland Security Bill that would give the HHS Secretary virtually unlimited powers to declare an emergency and order smallpox treatment that could include forced immunizations and quarantines.

The 480-page bill, HR 5710 hits the floor of the House tonight, even though most Members haven’t had a chance to read it yet. Section 304, Subsection C is titled “Administration of counter measures against smallpox.”

It gives the Secretary of HHS these unchecked powers (pg. 76):

Declare an actual or POTENTIAL bio-terrorist or other kind of incident He can administer “countermeasures” to a category of individuals or everyone He can continually extend the declare the declaration without Congress’s consent Also, if you are harmed, you cannot sue or take any other civil remedy.

“This section will give the Secretary unlimited power to define a real or potential threat, to take any measures he decides, and to do it for as long as he wants,” said Kathryn Serkes, AAPS spokeswoman. “It’s Alice in Wonderland time again – an emergency is just what he says it is.”

Serkes also points out that the section echoes the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act that most state legislatures defeated this past year. “Just remove ‘governor’ from the old bill and insert ‘Secretary’ and magically you have a federal bill that was firmly rejected by voters across the country,” said Serkes.

AAPS sent out thousands of email alerts urging voters to ask that the section be removed.

“Just what are the ‘counter measures’ allowed?” Forced immunizations? Quarantines? It’s not clear, but the powers seem virtually unchecked by any other agency,” said Serkes. “We need an honest accounting of how this will work. It’s too frightening to allow it to be rammed through.”

[Dark Wing]

oing

[WhatNot]

Homeland Security Bill that would give the HHS Secretary virtually unlimited powers to declare an emergency and order smallpox treatment that could include forced immunizations and quarantines.

If they had quarantined the first AIDS patients in the country, Think of all the lives and money that could have been saved.

[riri]

Because of the long incubation period and rampant promiscuity of certain prone groups, I would guess it would have been a difficult disease to quarantine.

[jd777]

They still could quarantine aids! Cheer up! BTW, When smallpox was still in existence, it wasn't used an excuse to extend the power of HHS department(home of welfare) way beyond the bounds of reason. Ever heard of checks and balances? I didn't think so. Now come get your injection.

[WhatNot]

difficult? yes, impossible? maybe not, (we'll never know now), politically incorrect? definitely!

[shaggy eel]

~

[chainsaw]

I'm all for this Homeland Security as long as it does not infringe on the bill of rights.

[Thud]

Sounds like the feds think they can avoid declaring nationwide martial law after we're attacked with smallpox.

[Centurion2000]

Secretary of HHS these unchecked powers (pg. 76):

Declare an actual or POTENTIAL bio-terrorist or other kind of incident He can administer “countermeasures” to a category of individuals or everyone He can continually extend the declare the declaration without Congress’s consent Also, if you are harmed, you cannot sue or take any other civil remedy

Generally the flakes from the democratic party wind up with this job ..... I know I wouldn't trust them with this.

[WhatNot]

When smallpox was still in existence

And just when did smallpox become extinct?

[jd777]

And just when did smallpox become extinct?

From World Health Organization website: "The global eradication of smallpox was certified, based on intense verification activities in countries, by a commission of eminent scientists in December 1979 and subsequently endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 1980. "

My answer would be: 1980.

[Dark Wing]

>Sounds like the feds think they can avoid declaring nationwide martial law after we're attacked with smallpox.

Yep, it sure does.

[WhatNot]

Well, if the World Health Organization says so, it must be true! Phew,I was worried there for a second! </sarcasim>

[verity]

I think I see your Point: Give me liberty or give me death [by smallpox].

[jd777]

It's a warning from the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons. You know, the people who want us all to die from smallpox....

[bonesmccoy]

For Pete's Sake!
All these idiots need to do is RELEASE THE VACCINE NOW.

PERMIT VOLUNTARY IMMUNIZATION NOW.

Then, you can immunize the rest of the nation after you get to work immunizing those who care.

If the person doesn't care about immunization, let them be immunized after the release.

All other attempts to create martial law or quarantines are ridiculously naive.

Mobility of travel today will spread the disease after release.

[jd777]

No, they prefer an emergency scenario where you'll have to beg for the vaccine. Then you'll learn to have some respect for the department of health and human services. (*fear and loathing off*)