Ban Flights From West Africa? Will Do Nothing
Numerous Republicans have called for President Obama to respond to the Ebola crisis by banning flights to the United States from West Africa. Nate Silver looked at flight data and found that such a ban would be meaningless.
There are no regularly scheduled direct flights to the U.S. from Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone — and very few from other countries in West Africa. There are far more flights from West Africa to Western Europe instead. Duncan’s case was typical. Before arriving in the United States, he connected through Brussels.
Since virtually no one flies from the affected countries to the U.S. and even from the entire region, most flights are to Europe and the Middle East, a ban would be purely symbolism.
Copyright 2014 Liberaland
By: Stuart Shapiro
Stuart is a professor and the Director of the Public Policy
program at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers
University. He teaches economics and cost-benefit analysis and studies
regulation in the United States at both the federal and state levels.
Prior to coming to Rutgers, Stuart worked for five years at the Office
of Management and Budget in Washington under Presidents Clinton and
George W. Bush.
60 responses to Ban Flights From West Africa? Will Do Nothing
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mea_mark October 19th, 2014 at 19:31
Right-wingers need simple solutions to not freak out. Let’s just go ahead and ban those few flights for now so they will be pacified. In a month after the media has moved on and RWNJ hysteria is on something else we can resume the flights with heightened attention on everyone flying.
Obewon October 19th, 2014 at 20:45
Next big thing, Nov 4th GOP’s midterm Ebola strategy fail: Ted Cruz claims ‘I never said ban flights from Africa! I didn’t shutdown government & that wasn’t me with a Dixie Swastika either!’
mea_mark October 19th, 2014 at 19:31
Right-wingers need simple solutions to not freak out. Let’s just go ahead and ban those few flights for now so they will be pacified. In a month after the media has moved on and RWNJ hysteria is on something else we can resume the flights with heightened attention on everyone flying.
Obewon October 19th, 2014 at 20:45
Next big thing Nov 4th GOP’s midterm Ebola strategy fail: Ted Cruz claims ‘I never said ban flights from Africa. I didn’t shutdown government & that was my lookalike worshiping a Dixie Swastika.’
forpeace October 19th, 2014 at 19:40
Of course we need to be cautious about Ebola, but these are all part of GOTP’s “fear & paranoia” campaign before the November election, they have found “Ebola Virus” a good excuse to get more votes.
And while everyone is busy with Ebola, there are many other important news that MSM is not even talking about!
Major Oil Spill Strikes Louisiana, Threatens Waterways
Officials on Sunday are continuing work to contain what an EPA representative called a major oil spill in northwestern Louisiana that could take months to clean up.
The rupture of Sunoco Logistics’ Mid-Valley pipeline near Mooringsport in Caddo Parish on Monday released an estimated 4,000 barrels of crude oil. That amount makes it one of this year’s largest spills, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing federal records. http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/10/19/major-oil-spill-strikes-louisiana-threatens-waterways
William October 19th, 2014 at 22:36
“Of course we need to be cautious about Ebola, but these are all part of GOTP’s “fear & paranoia” campaign before the November election”
Oh c’mon. Who are you going to believe? Those research scientists and their silly doctorates, or fair and balanced people who are looking out for our best interests
Jack E Raynbeau October 19th, 2014 at 23:14
These are the same clowns that raised the “terrist” threat just before the 2004 election. They thrive on instilling fear into their faithful followers.
raincheck October 20th, 2014 at 09:47
“And while everyone is busy with Ebola, there are many other important news that MSM is not even talking about!”
EXACTLY!!
KB723 October 19th, 2014 at 19:40
Ugggh!!! How is my new Love going to fly here to see me??? =(
forpeace October 19th, 2014 at 19:40
Of course we need to be cautious about Ebola, but these are all part of GOTP’s “fear & paranoia” campaign before the November election, they have found “Ebola Virus” a good excuse to get more votes.
And while everyone is busy with Ebola, there are many other important news that MSM is not even talking about!
Major Oil Spill Strikes Louisiana, Threatens Waterways
Officials on Sunday are continuing work to contain what an EPA representative called a major oil spill in northwestern Louisiana that could take months to clean up.
The rupture of Sunoco Logistics’ Mid-Valley pipeline near Mooringsport in Caddo Parish on Monday released an estimated 4,000 barrels of crude oil. http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/10/19/major-oil-spill-strikes-louisiana-threatens-waterways
William October 19th, 2014 at 22:36
“Of course we need to be cautious about Ebola, but these are all part of GOTP’s “fear & paranoia” campaign before the November election”
Oh c’mon. Who are you going to believe? Those research scientists and their silly doctorates, or fair and balanced people who are looking out for our best interests
Jack E Raynbeau October 19th, 2014 at 23:14
These are the same clowns that raised the “terrist” threat just before the 2004 election. They thrive on instilling fear into their faithful followers.
raincheck October 20th, 2014 at 09:47
“And while everyone is busy with Ebola, there are many other important news that MSM is not even talking about!”
EXACTLY!!
KB723 October 19th, 2014 at 19:40
Ugggh!!! How is my new Love going to fly here to see me??? =(
William October 19th, 2014 at 21:09
It’s actually amusing to see just how easily right wing wacko media can drive their lemmings into a frothy state of paranoia over three deaths.
Bob Cronos October 20th, 2014 at 01:18
There are NO laws controlling the spread of Ebola… That’s the problem…
greenfloyd October 20th, 2014 at 01:30
I guess you striving to be cute, however factually I’m sure there are “laws,” and more important public health prototcals, liked forced quarantine, i.e. Duncan family.
William October 19th, 2014 at 21:09
It’s actually amusing to see just how easily right wing wacko media can drive their lemmings into a frothy state of paranoia over three deaths.
Bob Cronos October 20th, 2014 at 01:18
There are NO laws controlling the spread of Ebola… That’s the problem…
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org October 20th, 2014 at 01:30
I guess you striving to be cute, however factually I’m sure there are “laws,” and more important public health prototcals, liked forced quarantine, i.e. Duncan family.
fancypants October 19th, 2014 at 22:49
might as well unveil the new consumer product to the paranoid. who knows ? the gop might invest in it.
fancypants October 19th, 2014 at 22:49
might as well unveil the new consumer product to the paranoid. who knows ? the gop might invest in it.
tiredoftea October 19th, 2014 at 23:01
Well, now he has a “czar” who can do that for him.
Jack E Raynbeau October 19th, 2014 at 23:16
A Czar? Didn’t we learn anything from the Russians?
/s
tiredoftea October 19th, 2014 at 23:38
Yes, but we still suck up to Republicans.
tiredoftea October 19th, 2014 at 23:01
Well, now he has a “czar” who can do that for him.
Jack E Raynbeau October 19th, 2014 at 23:16
A Czar? Didn’t we learn anything from the Russians?
/s
tiredoftea October 19th, 2014 at 23:38
Yes, but we still suck up to Republicans.
Jack E Raynbeau October 19th, 2014 at 23:11
Benghazi.
AAASuperPatriot October 19th, 2014 at 23:49
Fast and Furious.
Golfing.
Kenya.
Jack E Raynbeau October 19th, 2014 at 23:11
Benghazi.
AAASuperPatriot October 19th, 2014 at 23:49
Fast and Furious.
Golfing.
Kenya.
AAASuperPatriot October 19th, 2014 at 23:49
Can we at least ban flights from Texas?
AAASuperPatriot October 19th, 2014 at 23:49
Can we at least ban flights from Texas?
greenfloyd October 20th, 2014 at 00:47
Since the airborne arrival of Ebola in America it’s become clear to informed people our infectious disease controls are wanting. Even though there has been furiious action by Obama to get ahead of things, fear of Ebola becoming more widespread in America has stranied government credibility and perhaps ability to respond to the real crisis in Africa. Ebola in America is a virus that has mutated to infect the political establishment. Those with weak immune system will no doubt succumb on Nov. 4. Those who surivive may live on, yet with regret. However that’s not for me to judge. I mean too that I do not have all the information or a team of expert advisers. Although I do have your intelligent dissent and considered argument to challenge my conclusions.
I would not have it any other way.
Chinese Democracy October 20th, 2014 at 01:23
ONE death ? Thats not an epidemic
Watch how Right-Wing Media Have Used Ebola To Scare Americans
http://goo.gl/miHvM1
Then of course there is Tea Bagger Cruz and the other nutballs trying to make Obama look bad.
My favorite
Rep. Joe Wilson: Hamas could bring Ebola across our southern border
totally batshit crazy
greenfloyd October 20th, 2014 at 02:18
What I’m trying to get at is the perception of Ebola in America and its impact on short-term politics. Ebola science and time will determine longterm confidence in government after several missteps. Not the extremists you mention.
Chinese Democracy October 20th, 2014 at 02:42
perception is exactly what the RWingers are trying to control
but I get what you are saying. Obama should have done better controling the message. Because the panic being stirred up could actually be more dangerous than the disease itself
greenfloyd October 20th, 2014 at 03:22
Well it’s certainly having an impact on Obama, as well. Most people agree with you about “widespread” in America, expressing shaken yet still high confidence in the health care system to cope with whatever comes up on this side of the Atlantic. Ebola is notorious for ignoring public opinion.
rg9rts October 21st, 2014 at 07:16
The gopee would politicize going potty… They have no issue since Benghazi didn’t stick to the wall
bahlers October 20th, 2014 at 02:20
An epidemic means an outbreak of higher than normal disease incidence. Considering that there have been no cases of Ebola in America (that have originated here) in the past, the incident in Texas is very much and epidemic.
Chinese Democracy October 20th, 2014 at 02:41
lol… ok if you say so
Mom74 October 21st, 2014 at 12:04
Check your definition:
ep·i·dem·ic
ˌepəˈdemik/
noun
1.
a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
rg9rts October 21st, 2014 at 07:14
At least you are a consistent idiot
Mom74 October 21st, 2014 at 12:10
If by “immune system” you mean “the best PR to gather the most suckers to the fold” then you are correct – the weakest will succumb. And by “suckers” I mean members of the public who fail to think for themselves or follow up to determine the accuracy of the information they are fed. Yet we are most likely seeing evolution in action: increasing fear can increase survival chances.
greenfloyd October 21st, 2014 at 23:42
Hi…
On the public health front we’re not out of the woods yet on Ebola, although it appears the risks have been substantially reduced through both public and private actions.
On the political front the Obama administration deserves some criticism and still remains in damage control mode over the Duncan case and subsequent two Ebola cases and many potential exposures that could have been avoided. Along with the additional fear and harm to confidence in both CDC and Obama. The impact on Nov. 4, remains to be seen.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org October 20th, 2014 at 00:47
Since the airborne arrival of Ebola in America it’s become clear our infectious disease controls are wanting. Even though there has been furious action by Obama to get ahead of things, fear of Ebola becoming more widespread in America has strained government credibility and perhaps ability to respond to the real crisis in Africa. Ebola in America is a virus that has mutated to infect the political establishment. Those with weak immune system will no doubt succumb on Nov. 4. Those who survive may live on, yet with regret. However that’s not for me to judge. I mean too that I do not have all the information or a team of expert advisers. Although I do have your intelligent dissent and considered argument to challenge my conclusions.
I would not have it any other way.
Chinese Democracy October 20th, 2014 at 01:23
ONE death ? Thats not an epidemic
Watch how Right-Wing Media Have Used Ebola To Scare Americans
http://goo.gl/miHvM1
Then of course there is Tea Bagger Cruz and the other nutballs trying to make Obama look bad.
My favorite
Rep. Joe Wilson: Hamas could bring Ebola across our southern border
totally batshit crazy
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org October 20th, 2014 at 02:18
What I’m trying to get at is the perception of Ebola in America and its impact on short-term politics. Ebola science and time will determine longterm confidence in government after several missteps. Not the extremists you mention.
Chinese Democracy October 20th, 2014 at 02:42
perception is exactly what the RWingers are trying to control
but I get what you are saying. Obama should have done better controling the message. Because the panic being stirred up could actually be more dangerous than the disease itself
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org October 20th, 2014 at 03:22
Well it’s certainly having an impact on Obama, as well. Most people agree with you about “widespread” in America, expressing shaken yet still high confidence in the health care system to cope with whatever comes up on this side of the Atlantic. Ebola is notorious for ignoring public opinion.
rg9rts October 21st, 2014 at 07:16
The gopee would politicize going potty… They have no issue since Benghazi didn’t stick to the wall
bahlers October 20th, 2014 at 02:20
An epidemic means an outbreak of higher than normal disease incidence. Considering that there have been no cases of Ebola in America (that have originated here) in the past, the incident in Texas is very much and epidemic.
Chinese Democracy October 20th, 2014 at 02:41
lol… ok if you say so
Mom74 October 21st, 2014 at 12:04
Check your definition:
ep·i·dem·ic
ˌepəˈdemik/
noun
1.
a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
rg9rts October 21st, 2014 at 07:14
At least you are a consistent idiot
Mom74 October 21st, 2014 at 12:10
If by “immune system” you mean “the best PR to gather the most suckers to the fold” then you are correct – the weakest will succumb. And by “suckers” I mean members of the public who fail to think for themselves or follow up to determine the accuracy of the information they are fed. Yet we are most likely seeing evolution in action: increasing fear can increase survival chances.
floyd[@]greenfloyd.org October 21st, 2014 at 23:42
Hi…
On the public health front we’re not out of the woods yet on Ebola, although it appears the risks have been substantially reduced through both public and private actions.
On the political front the Obama administration deserves some criticism and still remains in damage control mode over the Duncan case and subsequent two Ebola cases and many potential exposures that could have been avoided. Along with the additional fear and harm to confidence in both CDC and Obama. The impact on Nov. 4, remains to be seen.
rg9rts October 21st, 2014 at 07:13
Looks like they never heard of connecting flights in gopeeland
rg9rts October 21st, 2014 at 07:13
Looks like they never heard of connecting flights in gopeeland