I've been following the outbreak of Swine Flu, and there seem to be cases popping up at an alarming rate.   More cases are being reported in Mexico, some in the United States, Canada, Spain, France, and New Zealand.  Most of those infected don't know each other, but there is one common link: They either live in, or visited Mexico recently.  In order to slow the spread of the illness, nearly all public gatherings from church services, to concerts, to athletic events have been canceled.

     Many foreign countries are also taking precautions.  Several Asian countries are using thermographic technology to scan passengers from Mexico, Texas, and California, and many other countries are using questionnaires to gauge a person's risk of being exposed to Swine Flu. 

     You might be wondering what the United States is doing.  Not much it seems.  The Mexican border is still open, which seems risky.  Think about it: The Mexican government wants to keep people from meeting in large groups to prevent spreading the illness, yet we are allowing people to come into the United States.  Our government would argue that there isn't a serious danger, yet they are providing protective clothing for individuals who work at the border crossings.  If Swine Flu is no big deal and the border isn't a concern, then why do workers need protective clothing?

     In all fairness, I admit that closing  the border might not make a lot of sense.  After all, a substantial amount of "visitors" to the United States don't cross legally anyway.