Swine Flu, Vaccines, and Mathematical Models

The recent swine flu outbreak in Mexico reminds me that, although lately I’ve been working on other things, I should also continue my work in health policy research and related areas.
Here we consider the problem:  in a flu pandemic, what strategies can we use to conserve scarce vaccine?
Let’s assume, for example, that during the first [...]

Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself – 2009

Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself – 2009
The famous words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” come from the first inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt (March 4, 1933). These comments, of course, were made in the midst of the Great Depression. The parallels between those times and [...]

Libertarian Tea Parties

Libertarian Tea Parties
On April 15, 2009 (the date that US tax returns are due) dozens of libertarian groups around the country will stage protests, called Tea Parties (named after the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773). The purpose is to “voice opposition to the out-of-control spending and taxation started by the Bush administration and [...]

Advice for President Obama: Let America Reach Out to Developing Countries

Advice for President Obama:  Let America Reach Out to Developing Countries
Yesterday I saw a photo of Obama’s face.  His expression looked concerned.  It looked like a man who is truly idealistic and trying hard, but finding all his best efforts frustrated.
That’s probably the case.  Obama seems like a genuine idealist at heart.  Unfortunately, he’s also, [...]