Michael F. Cannon
Michael F. Cannon
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) is demonstrating one of the pitfalls of putting the government in charge of public health.
Public health officials are monitoring the spread of H5N1 avian influenza among animals and even a few humans. Reports indicate the virus has appeared in animals in 16 states, including at more than 600 dairies in California. There have been 61 human cases. Most have been mild disease. There has been one severe case.
It appears that federal Centers for Disease Control officials are doing what they should be doing right now. They are monitoring the situation and providing non-alarmist judgments (“the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu…remains low”) and recommendations (don’t lick dead birds).
One cannot say the same of Newsom, who is sending the public confusing signals. On the one hand, he says, “the risk to the public remains low.” At the exact same time, he also says,
I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to Bird Flu…
I, GAVIN NEWSOM…HEREBY DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY…
All residents are to obey the direction of emergency officials…in order to protect their safety…
I FURTHER DIRECT…that widespread publicity and notice be given of this proclamation.
So sayeth The Great and Powerful Oz. The last time I checked, “the risk is low” means the exact opposite of “emergency.” So which is it?
The reason for the contradictory messages is power. Newsom can claim additional, unilateral powers to spend additional taxpayer dollars, to command California officials and residents to take action, and even to suspend certain government regulations. To wield these powers, he must first declare California to be in a “state of emergency.”
On the surface, it makes sense to give government agencies additional funding and flexibility during public health emergencies. » Read More
https://www.cato.org/blog/newsom-crying-wolf-over-bird-flu