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I heard a report on NPR this morning about an Israeli leader who suggested that people not refer to the new strain of influenza as the Swine Flu.

His comment came in deference to Orthodox Jews, those who would not want anyone to think -- should they become infected -- that they had somehow violated the strictest Jewish health and dietary laws.

I get it -- even though the disease is not transmitted by eating pork.

But the same leader showed less sensitivity when he then suggested that the disease be called the "Mexican Flu." After vigorous protests from a Mexican official, this idea was rescinded and the proposed name described as a joke. ...