April 30, 2009 4:42PM 

# Mixed Messages on Swine Flu 

By [David Rittgers](https://www.cato.org/people/david-rittgers) 

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The government has taken the sensible step of creating a [website](http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm) to disseminate information on the Swine Flu. There’s even a “[Swine Flu &amp; You](http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm)” section.

Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell Vice President Biden.

On the [Today Show](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30494440#30494440), Biden lauded the government’s focus on identified vectors and not on a wholesale closing of the border with Mexico or shutting down commercial airline traffic. Then he contradicted this rational message by saying he “wouldn’t go anywhere in confined places now” and discourages travel by plane, subway, or automobile.

No word on whether this will impact administration plans to use “[high-speed rail](https://www.cato.org/2009/04/20/obamas-recycled-moderate-speed-rail-plan/)” to revolutionize transportation in America.

##### Related Tags 

[Government and Politics](https://www.cato.org/government-politics) 

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