Swine Flu to Be Renamed? Religious and Economic Considerations Involved

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Homeland Security cite ecomonic reasons for wanting swine flu renamed and Israeli officials are citing religious reasons for renaming swine flu. 

 Whatever the reason it’s going to be a tricky business to change the name now.  Perhaps the governments and media can make the switch but it will be a little more difficult for the average person. The name, swine flu, is catchy and it’s already been used a trillion times.

I agreed with the Deputy Health Minister of Israel when he said swine flu should be renamed in deference to Muslim and Jewish sensitivities over pork. I also agreed with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack  when he said it’s important to convey the message that consuming pork will not cause this illness. However, although I agree with the reasoning, will I be able to make the switch?

Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, announced today that swine flu would be renamed influenza  A-H1N1. Now that sounds like something that we can all latch onto!

 It may take me awhile (I still occasionally refer to JFK airport as Idlewilde) but I will do my best to refer to swine flu by whatever it is renamed. Then I’ll start working on Sears Tower. Oops, I mean Wills Tower