Confronting the criticism of his tactics, Center for Disease Control head Thomas Frieden posted comments and defense of his chosen course on his blog.

What seems a hot point is Dr. Frieden’s dismissal of what has commonly been the first defense against pandemic, isolation of the source.  He explains that isolation would inhibit relief efforts and the flow of supplies.  Yet, this seems like a misrepresentation of what is actually suggested.  The flow “out” of the quarantined area is the concern.  No one has suggested that aid and supplies be halted. 

A curious revelation, a small “tell” from Dr. Frieden slipped out in his blog comments.  Dr. Frieden weighed in on the relationship between government and the populace noting the delicate management and importance of what people think.  From Dr. Frieden’s blog:

“Isolating communities also increases people’s distrust of government, making them less likely to co-operate to help stop the spread of Ebola.”

Concern for “what people think” should not be such a great priority for Dr. Frieden, unless politics be his true bailiwick.  It is not certain where Dr. Frieden’s priorities lay.  It seems clear that he should be duty bound to our country and its inhabitants. That might be a point debated by Dr. Frieden.  Self assumed global duties seem his top priority. 

Dr. Frieden, saving the world is a noble effort. However, not protecting this country, the one that employs you, from epidemic threats does indeed “increase(s) people’s distrust of government….”.  That is precisely what is happening between the government of the United States, and the people of the United States.  This seems like a common thread in the Obama administration.

We witness the spread of EV D68 virus, the deaths of children in the United States from a virus that may be connected to our world community immigration policy.  Worldly concerns placed ahead of national duties.

Dr. Frieden should be duty bound to this nation first, to the eradication of disease in other countries and world community concerns, second. 

Curiously, Dr. Frieden offers that “Many communities in the affected regions have taken the initiative to safely isolate patients at the local level.”   Seems like a good policy.  Can we expand upon that wisdom?  Do what is right, Dr. Frieden and forget what people might think. This isn’t politics, or is it?