For both of you who enjoyed my article (http://www.ntxe-news.com/artman/publish/article_119443.shtml) on the secret cache of chickens that are kept by the U.S. Government in order to provide emergency supplies of eggs that are critical to making vaccines for unexpected diseases such as COVID-19, there is further news.

My column was based on an NPR interview with Dr. Rick Bright, Director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  This week, Dr. Bright was removed from those positions by the Trump administration.  Although President Trump claims no knowledge of Dr. Bright or his demotion, Bright has filed a whistleblower complaint alleging that he was transferred because he "resisted efforts to fund potentially dangerous drugs promoted by those with political connections” (specifically chloroquine and hydroxycloroquine) and due to  “...clashes with H.H.S. political leadership, including criticism for my proactive efforts to invest early into vaccines and supplies critical to saving American lives (emphasis mine).”  For supplies, I read chickens.

Dr. Bright has studied vaccine development for 50 years and is considered a foremost expert in that field.  Congress had just recognized his expertise by tripling his budget in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.  Words fail me.

Meanwhile, Alex Azar, HHS Secretary (and former drug industry lobbyist), chose Brian Harrison to lead HHS' pandemic response.  For the last six years, Harrison has run a dog breeding operation.  Labradoodles.  He has a degree in economics but no education in medicine or public health.  I'd be a helluva writer if I could make this stuff up.

I have been unable to find any information on the status of our secret chickens.  I feel sure, however, that they need our thoughts and prayers.