Obama in Mexico: Swine Flu, Trade and Drugs

I've been trying to find coverage of this Mexico trip. But the media has its head wrapped around birthers and the health care town hall mobs. Of course, those are the two most important things to most Americans. That's sarcasm, just in case it didn't come through.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Apparently, swine flu plans a wallop for the fall:

John Brennan, Obama's chief homeland security aide, said the talks are timely — and crucial, given the long borders the U.S. shares with Mexico and Canada. As important as it is to further link up health officials and ready vaccine and antiviral supplies, the three leaders also must together and publicly reinforce a determination not to panic when cases arise, he said.
"There are people who are going to be getting sick in the fall and die," Brennan said. Keeping the severity and reach of the illnesses to a minimum is a priority, but officials also "want to make sure that we do everything possible to ensure the continuation of commerce, transportation and trade between the three countries."
America's first- and third-largest trade relationships are with Canada and Mexico. All three are partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement, the largest free-trade zone in the world. Closing borders or restricting travel would be very costly for families and businesses on all sides of the borders, an important consideration given the limping economy and the fact that health experts see such actions as pointless in containing the flu's spread. AP

Obama Leaves for 2 Day North American Summit

Mexico will host the North American Leaders’ Summit in Guadalajara on August 9 and 10, 2009. President Obama will join his counterparts—Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper—for this fifth annual summit.

The North American Leaders’ Summit provides a unique opportunity for our three neighboring nations to identify ways to collaborate on shared opportunities and collectively address our common challenges. The leaders will discuss improving North American competitiveness as we recover from the economic downturn, promoting clean energy to combat climate change, and protecting the safety of our citizens. Read more at SSP