Free Republic

It’s expected. At a job interview, during an introduction, when saying goodbye . . . The handshake is as American as apple pie. But -- eewww -- just imagine where that person’s hand might may have been before being clutched into yours! Touching a subway rail ... flushing a toilet ... changing a diaper ... maybe blowing a nose … As a variant of swine flu H1N1 makes its way around the world, escalating the fears of millions and prompting many to wear face masks, perhaps it's time to ask: Is it time to stop the handshake?

WASHINGTON - When President Bush warned David Gregory of NBC at a news conference last week not to pocket the White House silverware at a coming party, he was a little more than halfway through an Iditarod of holiday receptions at the Executive Mansion. Leaving aside what Mr. Bush's wisecrack says about his attitude toward the news media, it does highlight some of the most arduous socializing the president does all year. From Dec. 3 through the Hanukkah reception that Mr. Bush and the first lady will give at the White House this evening (with the traditional potato pancakes, or...

Handshakes and hugs break out on Senate floor Associated Press Sept. 16, 2003, 6:12PM AUSTIN - The bitter infighting in the Texas Senate for the past six weeks gave way to handshakes and warm embraces today as Democrats and Republicans appeared together on the Senate floor for the first time in a month and a half. "Today was a wonderful showing of good faith on every senator's part," Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, said after the Senate met briefly. "All of us are professionals," said Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas. "We can disagree without being disagreeable." During the last six weeks, the...