Purdue News

May 13, 2003 Post-war story ideas Expert says bioterrorism fears overshadow public health Smallpox, anthrax and other bioterrorism health issues continue to lead government agendas in the health arena, and a Purdue University health expert fears that traditional, public health issues are being neglected. "As more funding, resources and personnel are focused on bioterrorism threats, we run the risk of not addressing public health issues, such as tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes and tobacco use," says Regina Galer-Unti, a professor of health and kinesiology in the School of Liberal Arts. "There continues to be an emphasis placed on terrorism and related-health threats, and that redirection of resources could jeopardize the advocacy efforts for some of America’s most basic health needs," she says. Galer-Unti says this scenario happened once before. During the Ronald Reagan administration in the 1980s, HIV was ignored, and the result was less funding for this public health concern. CONTACT: Regina Galer-Unti, (765) 496-3330, rgaler@sla.purdue.edu Expert talks about democracy in Muslim World A Purdue University political science professor can talk about the reality of Iraq’s transition from a dictatorship to a democratic country. "There are a lot of obstacles, but we should not assume it’s impossible," says Kevin Anderson, whose expertise is in political and social theory, as well as the Muslim world. "Just because the other culture is different doesn’t mean its people cannot accept democracy. "However, there is the other extreme, which happens when we try to install democracy. People point to the well-known examples of Japan and Germany after World War II, but there are the many unsuccessful attempts even in the Western Hemisphere." Anderson also stresses that for a country to successfully rebuild, it’s important for its citizens to choose their own style of government. Anderson also is working on a book about Karl Marx’ writings. CONTACT: Kevin Anderson, (765) 494-4174 or (773) 684-8110,Anderson@poliscie.purdue.edu