DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Today's Daily Times Article
Chamber members divided on blogger
Anger rises over speaker pick
By Deborah Gates • Staff Writer • May 10, 2009
SALISBURY -- It's difficult to separate Web loggers from digital-age journalism.
So a public forum on "the impact of Internet communications on local politics" that excludes Salisbury News blog publisher Joe Albero, arguably the region's most politically charged and recognized blogger, is illogical.
At least that was the thinking behind a decision by the Local Legislative Committee of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce to invite Albero to be a guest speaker at the Thursday morning forum at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury.
Apparently, some members of the local business community disagree. The request for participation by the Salisbury News Web log site publisher has caused an uproar among Chamber membership, and some people want the invitation rescinded, said Brad Bellacicco, Chamber executive director.
"We're getting phone calls and e-mails from people venting about Joe Albero," Bellacicco said Friday. "He's a polarizing influence, so it is to be expected."
The May monthly forum also has invited Kye Parsons, Web managing editor at CBS affiliate television station, Salisbury's WBOC-Channel 16.
"The goal is finding out the long-term impact and tenor of the community discussion," Bellacicco said. "What is the impact of Internet communications in the future, and what's going on with this new forum for political activity."
Albero said the impact is phenomenal, and accepts some credit for the outcome of last month's municipal election that seated former councilman Jim Ireton as Salisbury mayor after a closely watched contest between him and Tilghman cohort, City Councilman Gary Comegys.
Albero and his Salisbury News have been gaining in popularity -- and notoriety -- over the last few years, when he launched the blog that frequently criticizes former Salisbury mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and city Police Chief Allen Webster.
Salisbury News in 2008 was ranked the Most Influential Political Blog in Maryland by BlogNetNews, a nation al consortium of top state, local and topic-focused blogs.
Anger rises over speaker pick
By Deborah Gates • Staff Writer • May 10, 2009
SALISBURY -- It's difficult to separate Web loggers from digital-age journalism.
So a public forum on "the impact of Internet communications on local politics" that excludes Salisbury News blog publisher Joe Albero, arguably the region's most politically charged and recognized blogger, is illogical.
At least that was the thinking behind a decision by the Local Legislative Committee of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce to invite Albero to be a guest speaker at the Thursday morning forum at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury.
Apparently, some members of the local business community disagree. The request for participation by the Salisbury News Web log site publisher has caused an uproar among Chamber membership, and some people want the invitation rescinded, said Brad Bellacicco, Chamber executive director.
"We're getting phone calls and e-mails from people venting about Joe Albero," Bellacicco said Friday. "He's a polarizing influence, so it is to be expected."
The May monthly forum also has invited Kye Parsons, Web managing editor at CBS affiliate television station, Salisbury's WBOC-Channel 16.
"The goal is finding out the long-term impact and tenor of the community discussion," Bellacicco said. "What is the impact of Internet communications in the future, and what's going on with this new forum for political activity."
Albero said the impact is phenomenal, and accepts some credit for the outcome of last month's municipal election that seated former councilman Jim Ireton as Salisbury mayor after a closely watched contest between him and Tilghman cohort, City Councilman Gary Comegys.
Albero and his Salisbury News have been gaining in popularity -- and notoriety -- over the last few years, when he launched the blog that frequently criticizes former Salisbury mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman and city Police Chief Allen Webster.
Salisbury News in 2008 was ranked the Most Influential Political Blog in Maryland by BlogNetNews, a nation al consortium of top state, local and topic-focused blogs.
UPDATE!!! The print edition of this article was at least twice the size as what they offered on line. I had no idea they didn't provide the WHOLE STORY on line. They are going to fail, that's for sure.
Hail - What Is It, Anyway?
That was a serious thunderstorm last night. Hailstones the size of quarters out Quantico way.
Wicomico Humane Society Celebrates 15th Year Of Walk For The Animals
Hundreds of people and their pets showed up Saturday for the 15 annual Walk for the Animals event at the WHS. Vendors lined the entire parking lot while Cat Country provided gifts and music for all to enjoy.
It was amazing to see so many people excited about bringing their pet back to the Humane Society as a sort of reunion for the entire Staff to see just how well these pets have adjusted as well as their owners.
The Salisbury Kennel Club showed off their new Dancing With Your Pets, (similar to Dancing With The Stars) and the Wicomico County Sheriffs office truly entertained the audience there with an exhibition with their K-9 Drug Dog/officer.
Vehicles lined the roadway similar to Pork in the Park, it was unbelievable. I didn't want to fill this Post with pictures of vehicles parked on side roads but trust me, there were a ton of vehicles there.
Cat Country announced within the first hour that they had raised more than $9,000.00!!!! Of course the main event is based around taking animals for a long walk and there's no doubt the animals at the Humane Society got their fill of exercise.
I'd like to thank all the people that showed up to participate. After so many days of rain in a row and finally getting an incredible break with sunshine and warm weather, I really thought this event wouldn't be as well attended as it was. I know many of you had "Honey Do List" items to take care of and we really appreciate your finding the extra time to come out and participate.
Happy Mother's Day
WHY GOD MADE MOMS
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house..
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy..
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home, dads just work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:
Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house..
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.
How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.
What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.
Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.
What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy..
3. They say she used to be nice.
What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?
Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.
Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.
What's the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home, dads just work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.
What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.
What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.
If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
Could A Blogger Be Threatened By This If It Passes, (a reader asks)
Text of H.R. 1966: Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act
This version: Introduced in House. This is the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the House for consideration. This is the latest version of the bill available on this website.
HR 1966 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1966
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to cyberbullying.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 2, 2009
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California (for herself, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. YARMUTH, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HARE, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. CLAY, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. COURTNEY, and Mr. KIRK) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to cyberbullying.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act’.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Four out of five of United States children aged 2 to 17 live in a home where either they or their parents access the Internet.
(2) Youth who create Internet content and use social networking sites are more likely to be targets of cyberbullying.
(3) Electronic communications provide anonymity to the perpetrator and the potential for widespread public distribution, potentially making them severely dangerous and cruel to youth.
(4) Online victimizations are associated with emotional distress and other psychological problems, including depression.
(5) Cyberbullying can cause psychological harm, including depression; negatively impact academic performance, safety, and the well-being of children in school; force children to change schools; and in some cases lead to extreme violent behavior, including murder and suicide.
(6) Sixty percent of mental health professionals who responded to the Survey of Internet Mental Health Issues report having treated at least one patient with a problematic Internet experience in the previous five years; 54 percent of these clients were 18 years of age or younger.
SEC. 3. CYBERBULLYING.
(a) In General- Chapter 41 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘Sec. 881. Cyberbullying
‘(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
‘(b) As used in this section--
‘(1) the term ‘communication’ means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; and
‘(2) the term ‘electronic means’ means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.’.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
‘881. Cyberbullying.’.
This version: Introduced in House. This is the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the House for consideration. This is the latest version of the bill available on this website.
HR 1966 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1966
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to cyberbullying.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 2, 2009
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California (for herself, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. YARMUTH, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HARE, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. CLAY, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. COURTNEY, and Mr. KIRK) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to cyberbullying.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act’.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Four out of five of United States children aged 2 to 17 live in a home where either they or their parents access the Internet.
(2) Youth who create Internet content and use social networking sites are more likely to be targets of cyberbullying.
(3) Electronic communications provide anonymity to the perpetrator and the potential for widespread public distribution, potentially making them severely dangerous and cruel to youth.
(4) Online victimizations are associated with emotional distress and other psychological problems, including depression.
(5) Cyberbullying can cause psychological harm, including depression; negatively impact academic performance, safety, and the well-being of children in school; force children to change schools; and in some cases lead to extreme violent behavior, including murder and suicide.
(6) Sixty percent of mental health professionals who responded to the Survey of Internet Mental Health Issues report having treated at least one patient with a problematic Internet experience in the previous five years; 54 percent of these clients were 18 years of age or younger.
SEC. 3. CYBERBULLYING.
(a) In General- Chapter 41 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘Sec. 881. Cyberbullying
‘(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
‘(b) As used in this section--
‘(1) the term ‘communication’ means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; and
‘(2) the term ‘electronic means’ means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.’.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
‘881. Cyberbullying.’.
'Pedophile Protection Act' Heads To Senate Committee
On the fast track: Judiciary panel to consider hate crimes bill Tuesday
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Tuesday a hate crimes bill already approved by the House that, critics say, provides special protections for pedophiles and others with alternative "gender identities" such as voyeurism and exhibitionism.
WND first reported on what has become widely known as "The Pedophile Protection Act" last week, raising nationwide alarm that has already generated more than 250,000 individual letters of protest to members of the U.S. Senate.
By special arrangement through WND, for only $10.95 members of the public can send 100 individually addressed letters to each senator by overnight mail. Each letter is individually "signed" by the sender. The letters ask for a written response and call for opposition to the bill, including by filibuster if necessary.
On Friday, Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, said the only chance to defeat the legislation was for a massive outpouring of opposition from the American people.
"If you guys don't raise enough stink there's no chance of stopping it," U.S. Rep. Louis Gohmert said last week on a radio program with WND columnist Janet Porter. She's the chief of the Faith2Action Christian ministry and has coordinated a campaign to allow citizens to send overnight letters to members of the U.S. Senate expressing opposition to the plan.
Already well over 2,500 people have utilized the procedures and more than 250,000 letters have been dispatched to members of the Senate.
"It's entirely in the hands of your listeners and people across the country," Gohmert told Porter. "If you guys put up a strong enough fight, that will give backbone enough to the 41 or 42 in the Senate to say we don't want to have our names on that."
GO HERE to read more.
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Tuesday a hate crimes bill already approved by the House that, critics say, provides special protections for pedophiles and others with alternative "gender identities" such as voyeurism and exhibitionism.
WND first reported on what has become widely known as "The Pedophile Protection Act" last week, raising nationwide alarm that has already generated more than 250,000 individual letters of protest to members of the U.S. Senate.
By special arrangement through WND, for only $10.95 members of the public can send 100 individually addressed letters to each senator by overnight mail. Each letter is individually "signed" by the sender. The letters ask for a written response and call for opposition to the bill, including by filibuster if necessary.
On Friday, Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, said the only chance to defeat the legislation was for a massive outpouring of opposition from the American people.
"If you guys don't raise enough stink there's no chance of stopping it," U.S. Rep. Louis Gohmert said last week on a radio program with WND columnist Janet Porter. She's the chief of the Faith2Action Christian ministry and has coordinated a campaign to allow citizens to send overnight letters to members of the U.S. Senate expressing opposition to the plan.
Already well over 2,500 people have utilized the procedures and more than 250,000 letters have been dispatched to members of the Senate.
"It's entirely in the hands of your listeners and people across the country," Gohmert told Porter. "If you guys put up a strong enough fight, that will give backbone enough to the 41 or 42 in the Senate to say we don't want to have our names on that."
GO HERE to read more.
Alex Guerrero Gets Sportsmanship Award At Golden Gloves
Alex Guerrero won the Sportsmanship Award at the Golden Gloves Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. So what's his next move, the Pro's. All in due time but my guess is the next thing we'll be hearing is that Alex will turn Pro, he's that talented.
The only thing Alex doesn't have is experience, which he'll need at a professional level to see if he's got the discipline and mental will to make a career out of boxing.
There's no question he has the talent and strength. Heck, if you're a part of the Main Street Gym and Hal Chernoff, you better have a lot of the above or boxing just isn't for you.
The Main Street Gym crew will be heading home today from the west coast and as I know Fernando has been constantly on the phone with his brother while he's been away, Fernando continues to train hard in Washington, D.C. preparing for his up an coming fight at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
Tickets to that event are on sale now and I strongly urge you to get your seats early on for the best choices. Don't wait till the last minute. I thought I'd mention this as well. Back when I was a kid and we'd go to a Hockey Game at what was called the Capitol Center back then, by the time you bought a ticket, paid for parking, got a soda and something light to eat, you had dumped $50.00, per person. If you were on a date, make it at least a hundred bucks.
To have the opportunity to buy a ticket to this Boxing Match at the Civic Center for $15.00 and then see 7 mainly undefeated fighters on the card, you can't touch it! Now it's 25 years later, (since I used to go to the Capitol Center) and the prices have actually come down. Take advantage of it now before prime seats start selling for $1,200.00 a piece! If you think I'm kidding, ask around.
New High School Exit Exam
New High School Exit Exam, you only need 4 correct to pass.
High School Exit Exam...!!
(Passing requires 4 correct answers)
1) How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
Remember, you need 4 correct answers to pass.
Check your answers below ...
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
1) How long did the Hundred Years War last? 116 years
2) Which country makes Panama hats? Ecuador
3) From which animal do we get cat gut? Sheep and Horses
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? November
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of? Squirrel fur
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? Dogs
7) What was King George VI's first name? Albert
8) What color is a purple finch ? Crimson
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from? New Zealand
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane? Orange(of course)
What do you mean, you failed?
(And if you try to tell me you passed, you full of it!)
High School Exit Exam...!!
(Passing requires 4 correct answers)
1) How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
Remember, you need 4 correct answers to pass.
Check your answers below ...
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
1) How long did the Hundred Years War last? 116 years
2) Which country makes Panama hats? Ecuador
3) From which animal do we get cat gut? Sheep and Horses
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution? November
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of? Squirrel fur
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal? Dogs
7) What was King George VI's first name? Albert
8) What color is a purple finch ? Crimson
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from? New Zealand
10) What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane? Orange(of course)
What do you mean, you failed?
(And if you try to tell me you passed, you full of it!)
GOTTA LOVE LITTLE BOYS
Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter.
The man at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you?' Eight,' the boy replied.
The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?'
The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim, ride a bike, and play tennis. Right now, he can't do any of them.'
The man at the counter asked the older boy, 'Son, how old are you?' Eight,' the boy replied.
The man continued, 'Do you know what these are used for?'
The boy replied, 'Not exactly, but they aren't for me. They're for him. He's my brother. He's four. We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim, ride a bike, and play tennis. Right now, he can't do any of them.'
Rt. 50 Arby's Update
They believe that a strong horizontal wind shear hit the building just right, tearing off the rear of the roof. The roof and air conditioner both need to be replaced. All frozen/refrigerated/perishable food had to be moved to other stores. Arby's on Rt 50 will be closed ALL day Sunday, and business will hopefully resume Monday morning.
Thanks For Nothing Bush!
It's one thing to hear a Dealership is closing but it's another to actually see it with your own eyes. I'm sure many of you don't get the chance to pass by this area so I thought I'd deliver it to you instead.
The 1918 Flu Pandemic
You may vaguely recall something your parents or grandparents or great-grandparents said about the 1918 flu that killed well over 70 million people, maybe even some of your relatives. Called the Spanish Flu (but first noted in Canton, China), it appeared close to the heels of World War I with a mortality rate that was easily twice that of the entire multi-national conflict, including all civilian deaths. It has been estimated that nearly a billion people were infected, which was then about half the world's population. Some historians claim that the balance of power of the war was tipped by the flu, which struck countries of the Central Powers before it did those of the Allied Powers.Most of its victims were healthy young adults, in contrast to most influenza outbreaks which predominantly affect juvenile, elderly, or otherwise weakened people. Scientists have since used tissue samples from frozen victims to reproduce the virus for study. (Given the strain's extreme virulence there has been controversy regarding the wisdom of such research.) Among the conclusions of this research is that the virus kills via a cytokine storm (overreaction of the body's immune system) which explains its unusually severe nature and the concentrated age profile of its victims. The responses of the strong immune systems of these young, otherwise healthy adults ravaged the body, whereas the response of the weaker immune systems of children and middle-aged adults caused fewer deaths. Deaths then in children and older adults contracting the flu were generally caused by secondary infections that resulted in bacterial pneumonia and other complications in that time when antibiotics did not exist, communication and transportation are not what they are today, and medical supportive care and infection control measures were comparatively primitive.
A large number of infections in the United States and other nations involved in World War I were seen in military settings, where thousands of age-succeptible virus hosts were closely housed and massive troop movement occurred. One soldier wrote home to his mother: "Since noon today our camp has been under quarantine to prevent an epidemic of Spanish influenza. We have had no cases thus far but it is the intention of the medical officers to prevent any case of the disease from making an appearance. All the men who have even slight colds have been put into separate barrack which, of course, were immediately christened 'the TB ward' by the rest of the company." That same day, he wrote to his brother, a Navy sailor at home awaiting orders: "Well the Spanish Influenza has made an appearance here and we are under strict orders no visits to Chattanooga, we are certainly the hard luck guys when it comes to this quarantine proposition."
Exact numbers of U.S. military members affected or killed by the flu are difficult to determine, as the War Department then downplayed (and likely attributed to other causes) the illnesses and deaths of servicemen and women during the March 1918-June 1920 pandemic. But given that most of the military population was of an age that was most at risk, and that the general population's flu death rate was easily 5 out of every 1000 people, the numbers are undoubtedly high.
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