Do these Senate Hearings about the H1N1 remind anyone of the War Room in "Dr. Strangelove"?

For the most part these hearings have been impressive and dignified, but there always comes that uncomfortable moment when the witness has to admit that the budget for preparation was so badly slashed by the Bush administration that they are not as prepared as they used to be.

I wish I had the quotes and the expressions on their faces to show you, but it is classic "Strangelove" material.

Basically, we are well prepared, but I do love that inevitable moment when the panelists confront that question about how many immediate response people have had to be layed off over the past two years, and how they have to B.S. like George C. Scott's character "General Buck Turdgidson" in Kubrick's satire. And, although I love Harkin, the way he perspires and grapples and gropes for words. He looks so nervous, like President Merkin Muffley in "Strangelove."

"Yes, yes, we WOULD be absolutely prepared, and we were two years ago; however, contingencies beyond our control have had unfortunate and unforeseeable consequences..." (translation: we are hopelessly understaffed.)

one of the best lines ever

I should send them a resume perhaps?

:-)

Done that shit