Nice to meet you -- but not your germs [View All]

[proud2BlibKansan]

The news anchor shakes my hand. "So glad you could make it," he says.

Then he turns, still talking, and presses the nozzle on the hand sanitizer.

This is the new American greeting. Howdy, neighbor -- let me wipe you off. The current hysteria over the H1N1 flu virus has people so spooked, they don't even wait until you leave the room. They touch you, then untouch you. Connect-disconnect.

"So, have you done many cities?" the news anchor says, vigorously rubbing his hands.

I have done many cities. I am traveling the country on a book tour. And I've been astounded to learn that the thing that most unifies America is not patriotism, faith or even Jon and Kate.

It's Purell.

more . . . http://www.freep.com/article/20091101/COL01/911010495/1082/col01