Local minds tackle global issues

Seniors exchange views on pandemics during library discussion

By: Candice Leigh Helfand
   MONROE – Several local seniors gathered in the library last week, aiming to think globally while acting locally with an act as simple as exchanging thoughts and ideas with one another.
   A panel discussion was held Aug. 25 to focus on the issue of pandemics and the threat they pose to the world, as pandemics are the diseases that spread all over the world (not to be confused with epidemics, which remain contained in one country or defined area). In all, seven seniors were in attendance, and all of them had something to contribute.
   On hand to moderate the discussion was reference librarian and programming manager Monica Teixeira. She read queries from their supplementary reading and added some of her own.
   For example, Ms. Teixeira inquired of the assembly whether a quarantine could be considered unconstitutional.
   "After all, you’re taking away human rights, and essentially operating as a military state," she said.
   The booklet used as a supplement for the discussion is called "Great Decisions" (2006 edition), and it is put out by the Foreign Policy Association.
   The conversation ran the gamut, discussing everything from foreign policy to national security, even the economy, all issues that came to mind once the discussion picked up its pace.
   "The first responsibility these pharmaceutical corporations have is to their shareholders," said Howard Katz, one of the community members present, in relation to the availability of medications and vaccinations.
   A large portion of last Friday’s discussion focused on why these problems exist, and how they grow so quickly to the proportions they do.
   "It’s not only pandemics; it’s the whole world, with everything. We wait until the last minute. Things should have started 20 years before terrorism and pandemics. But they don’t, and we don’t learn from the past, or our history," said Ruth Kaminski, one of the other local participants.
   "If we can’t handle a predicted hurricane, what can we really expect?" added Susi Silber, another senior township resident.
   Paranoia, martyrdom, invasions of privacy, as well as past and present wars, were all brought up. And everything seemed to trace back to politics.
   "If we changed our foreign policy, we could prevent terrorism altogether; there’s a reason they’re targeting us," said Joe Kaminski, one of the more vocal members in the group.
   The panel debated the best route for preventative measures. It was suggested by one person that an international organization such as the United Nations should have a store of vaccinations available, so that in the event of a pandemic scare, the supplies could be sent to the source to diffuse the situation.
   Other panel members questioned how well a plan like that would work. Some wondered how long vaccinations would last, while others pointed out that diseases are constantly mutating, and a store of vaccinations could quickly become outdated and ineffective.
   Others said prevention begins with education, and that if citizens of third-world nations were more aware of the threat that pandemics pose, and if they knew more about how to prevent the spread of the deadly diseases, they would be able to, essentially, nip the problem in the bud.
   "The thing is, it’s us telling them to change," said Rose Kruser, who views the situation as America trying to tell others how to lead their lives.
   The panel also brought up the presence of bioterrorism and biological/natural threats in our pop culture, and how they are used more as a plot device or jumping-off point than in cautionary discussion.
   Some examples cited were the Richard Preston novel "Pandora’s Box" (the author known for his novel, "Hot Zone") and Al Gore’s global warming documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth."
   While they could not all agree on the issues, the conversation nevertheless remained civil and intelligent, with each panel member using his or her wisdom and years to not only debate today’s issues, but also tie them in to issues of the past.
   "These people are very educated, and they really add a lot to these discussions," Ms. Teixeira said.
   For the past few weeks, panel discussions have been held and run by the library. "We had one a few weeks ago about the United Nations," Ms. Teixeira said. "It helps make people aware."
   All local residents are welcome and encouraged to participate in these discussions, and to make their voices and opinions heard.
   The next major topic will be immigration, and the discussion will occur in a three-part series.
   The dates are Sept. 14, Sept. 21 and Sept. 27.
   Each will be headed by an expert in the area of immigration studies and rights.
   For more information, call the library at (732) 521-5000, or visit www.monroetwplibrary.org.