For years health officials have warned that a virulent strain of avian influenza could rapidly spread the globe, killing millions. Headlines about such an outbreak now seem to pop up daily, and there is reason for increasing concern. But President Bush's recent request to Congress, asking for the authority to call in the military as part of the government's response to such a disaster, is wrong.
Calling in the troops would set a worrying precedent, and not only because it would be yet one more step to a fully militarized state. If we die alone, under the control of the military, who will provide the last services of love for us, and who will comfort the loved ones we leave behind?
Sick and dying people are lonely as it is, even in situations where they do have a family and friends. How will they feel when the government forces us to treat them like lepers? How will they find comfort, if they are not even allowed to talk about what is happening to them?