Flu Pandemic: Fend for Yourself

Maybe this goes without saying, after Katrina. But lately Mike Leavitt, the federal health secretary, has been saying it directly to local officials: you're on your own if a flu pandemic breaks out. In L.A. last week, Leavitt told local leaders to be ready for at least a few days of self-sufficiency. "There is no way ... a federal government or a state government can come to the rescue of thousands of communities at the same time," he said.

In related news, thanks to the New York Times for answering my question about the bird flu. So much for the bird-butchering eco-excursion we were planning in Vietnam.