On supporting science journalism
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"BE PREPARED," the Boy Scouts' motto, is simple enough for children to remember. Why then can it be so difficult to plan for foreseeable disasters? Two November 2005 articles addressed that question: "Preparing for a Pandemic," by W. Wayt Gibbs and Christine Soares, and "Preparing for the Worst" [SA Perspectives], which also discussed events such as Hurricane Katrina. Reader Colin Buss of Campbell River, B.C., observes, "If global health is at stake, the international community, including the U.S., may be better off not allowing the wealthier nations to dictate health strategy if it is at the expense of the greater good." Kelsey DeForge warned via e-mail not to assume treatment will be free: "The U.S. must assure that those who require vaccinations receive financial help if necessary. Otherwise treatment will be accessible only to those who can afford it, rather than those most at risk."
Expecting the Expected
In "Preparing for the Worst" [SA Perspectives], the editors again do not waste an opportunity to stick a thumb in the Bush administration's eye. And although you are truthful in what you say, what is telling is that which you omit: it was the Louisiana congressional delegation that coveted the funding for levee improvement and then led the charge to divert it to other purposes.
Van Snyder
La Crescenta, Calif.