Thompson on Swine Flu; Taylor on Afghanistan

AP - Homeland Security, Miss. leaders discuss swine flu

U.S. House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson says Mississippi's health and emergency leaders appear prepared to handle the swine flu.

Thompson and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute met privately Tuesday with health, education and emergency management officials to discuss the H1N1 flu virus.

"We came to hear what the issues were and learn what the challenges were in getting prepared," Lute said a news conference after the meeting. "What we heard was a great deal of awareness about the flu. That's a real strength as the flu season approaches."

When asked if Mississippi appeared to have its swine flu efforts under control, Thompson replied: "At this point, yes."

Mississippi has 586 confirmed swine flu cases and two deaths as of Tuesday. Hundreds of other suspected cases have been reported on school and college campuses.

Thompson said the swine flu vaccine is expected to be available by mid-October. He said one of the concerns raised in Tuesday's meeting was the cost of getting a swine flu shot.

"One of the things we're making quite clear is that it will be free," said Thompson.

He said in some cases a $10 administrative fee may be charged.

Hattiesburg American - Taylor: Sooner troops withdrawn the better

American troops in Afghanistan might feel some relief in the words of Rep. Gene Taylor touting "the sooner, the better" for troop withdrawal from the war-torn country.

"It's a part of the world where corruption is the norm," he said. "You're not going to change the way they are. The best you can hope for is some kind of Magna Carta agreement of shared powers."

"We're going to have to kill the guys that are determined to kill us and don't want to see any semblance of an Afghan nation, and then cut a deal with the rest of them," Taylor said.