Pro:

Ebola: we are all afraid of catching this deadly disease. The media has been swarmed with news regarding the current Ebola outbreak. Some wonder if all of this media attention is necessary, and believe me, it is.

For a virus that has already spread into other countries, it is vital that any information be released so that we can protect ourselves from infected persons. The media coverage is absolutely crucial to the understanding of what Ebola is and the potential threat it poses. Although broadcasting worldwide news is usually somewhat exaggerated, this definitely is not. We have already lost two Americans to Ebola. It is so important that the media coverage is present and worldwide so that we can contain this disease as much as possible.

It is our right as people of this earth to be aware of something as serious as this. The media is giving out information of the virus and the numbers of those affected with it; this is another precautionary step. The names of the individuals are disclosed in order to protect those people. Multiple views encourage the idea to stop flights with infected areas and refuse those entering the US as well. What these people don’t realize is that by doing so, we would be denying our own people the rights they fully deserve.

Returning Americans must be let in so that with the help of our best doctors, they can receive treatment. It is our responsibility to take action in times of crisis and, I can assure you, that this is one of those times.

Samantha Barnes, Staff Writer

Junior Samantha Barnes is a staff writer for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She competes all over New England with her three horses and plays basketball at school.

Con:

For the past few weeks, headlines have been screaming about the current Ebola outbreak in the U.S. “What should we do now?” and “ Is America Ready for another Ebola Outbreak?” (NBC News). These methods of coverage by well-known news stations and newspapers are causing people to panic. According to the CDC, within the U.S there are currently only two diagnosed patients. Diagnosed does not necessarily mean “spreading,” but rather recognized. That means that Ebola has not yet had an outbreak here.

These misleading broadcasts and headlines are not necessary. The news should not be misinforming Americans, but instead providing them with knowledge that is correct. This past week, newspapers and newscasts have been discussing the current case of Spanish nurse, Teresa Romero, and how she has had the virus. However, the BBC later informed the nation that he had tested negative for the virus. These headlines that people follow are incorrect and create a panic.

The real problem that should be getting all the attention are the actions of our security. Americans who have been traveling to Africa and other parts of the world where this virus is present should not be allowed to return here until they are thoroughly examined. If the U.S wants to panic, this is the topic they should be concerned about. Why do we permit these citizens back in when they could possibly be infected? Traveling to these countries during this virus outbreak is putting people at risk. That means having them return would be an even bigger risk.

Before a citizen boards a flight back to the U.S, they should be forced to have the proper tests and examinations to make sure they are healthy and not a concern to the health of the community. These extra precautions will allow our already strong healthcare systems to remain confident that Ebola is not a threat within the country.

So, let’s get back to the more important events going on in this nation. There is no reason to freak out and isolate yourself from the world. Ebola is spread through fluids, not through the air, like cold and flu viruses. People need to relax and realize that Ebola is only easily contracted unless diagnosed patients are sharing needles or not washing their hands. For now, all we can do is put forth efforts to help isolate this virus in West Africa  and surrounding areas. Stopping this virus may be a huge concern within other countries, but for the U.S.; it is not a current problem.

Megan Brawner, Sports Editor

Junior Megan Brawner is Sports Editor for the 2014-2015 Colonel. She serves as Secretary for the Junior Class, is a lead runner on the track and cross country teams, and takes pictures for Inner Visions and Teen Ink.