Hmm…interesting the partisanship on this thread. Personally, I’m for women pulling together and crossing the aisle as they do in some other gov’ts—that is when they are in a critical mass number (at least 33 and 1/3 percent; gender parity is better.) You see major changes in the whole country’s dynamics.

That said, I think Biden’s comment on the swine flu wasn’t necessary. The hysteria over this is over the top already.

One thing I’ve learned during the whole economic meltdown is that both parties are at fault and I don’t really care for either of them. I voted for Obama—and yes, my personal opinion, is that the dynamics with Bush in foreign policy was horrific (to me), I was very against the Iraq War and Bush administration’s push toward deregulation was disastrous (heck, even Libertarians are for some rules!) But Bush followed on the heels of Clinton who signed both the repeal of the Glass-Steagall act (passed by a GOP majority Congress) and signed by Clinton (he never should have signed that IMHO) and also The Commodities Futures Modernization Act of 2000 was passed by the 106th Congress and signed by Clinton (horrible)—this deregulated derivatives. Basically Wall Street was told by both parties (in terms of the law)….you can now go have one hell of a frat party on Wall Street. Rip the place apart, have at it! And they did. All within the law. So, maybe we could agree that both parties are really screwed up and that having 18% female representation in Congress (the same that Pakistan has) is pathetic for this nation and no wonder we’re in deep crap. I’m not remotely pleased with Obama’s economic team. As earlier seen on this site—Brooksely Born ought to be on that team—ought to be heading it up. But, no, she’s too wise…and threatening to the boyz.

Joe Biden did not cause panic to anyone but the media is making a lot of people sick.

Joe Biden is an intelligent man.  The media has gone crazy things that would not have been pointed out in the past all of a sudden it is a big deal.  They act as if people are complete idiots.

This political bickering has got to stop and take a breather .  Please media give us a break.

Liz, I must admit I’m disappointed in you.  You do not approve of Joe Biden speaking out.  Of course, that is your decision.

To me the greater danger is those individuals that speak hate.  Pure hate for another based on bias.  That by far is the much greater danger and must be addressed at every turn and your much public persona could be used to call it out.

Who cares what political party Joe Biden is associated with, what the media said about George Bush, Dan Quayle, etc.  This isn’t about anyone’s political opinions, so agree to disagree and let it rest.

I believe the question was:

Do you approve of Vice President Joe Biden expressing himself freely in the matter of advising people to stay off mass transit during the swine-flu scare?

And to answer this question, I feel anyone is allowed to give their personal opinion, but if he is asked to comment from the standpoint of say, the US government, then he should state the US government’s position.  However, I think that anyone set on avoiding contagious diseases would think twice about air travel, mass transit, and hanging around crowds in general.

I’m assuming VP Biden’s speaking out on not going on mass transit is to avoid large groups of people.  Therefore less chance of getting the swine flu.

HHHMMM, with the economy the way it is now should the VP assist in another enterprise loosing money?  

Let’s see - then we should all not go to work, go shopping, eat at restaurants, go to Disney World or do any number of things to avoid people.

Mr. Biden has the right to speak his mind.  However, in his position should he not be more thoughtful in the consequences before speaking.

Wouldn’t it be more affective if Mr. Biden looked for a way for everyone in the U.S. to be provided with masks and be told to wash our hands more regularly. 

I guess as a child he was not told to think before speaking.