I can’t help but think that issues like the H5N1 bird flu outbreak are where rubber meets road—where real leadership is tested, and values like stewardship, foresight, and care for human life are supposed to shine. So, let’s talk turkey (or, rather, chicken) about what needs to happen here.

Stewardship: Dominion with Responsibility

The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:26 that God gave mankind dominion over the earth, including the animals. But “dominion” isn’t a free pass to neglect responsibility; it’s a call to careful stewardship. This outbreak is hammering our poultry farms and even raising concerns about a pandemic affecting people. Now is not the time to shrug our shoulders or leave things to chance.

Farmers—salt-of-the-earth folks who feed this nation—are already dealing with sky-high costs and regulations. They need practical, effective measures to control the virus, and yes, this may include targeted investments in things like animal vaccination and enhanced biosecurity. We don’t need big-government overreach, but we do need smart, limited intervention to ensure this doesn’t spiral out of control.

Protecting People: A Pro-Life Issue

Conservatives believe in the sanctity of life, and that doesn’t just apply to the unborn. Protecting farmworkers and tracking the virus to stop its spread are essential steps to safeguard human lives. If experts say this virus could mutate further and potentially cause a pandemic, ignoring those warnings isn’t bold—it’s reckless.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: mRNA vaccines. I know the mRNA technology can feel like a hot potato after the COVID-19 controversy, but we need to think critically here. If this technology can help prevent another crisis, let’s weigh the evidence fairly. Blind opposition to science isn’t the answer, but neither is blind trust. Accountability and transparency in the vaccine development process are key.

Lessons from the Past

The 1918 flu pandemic and more recently, COVID-19, taught us that pandemics don’t care about politics. They exploit inaction and disorganization. This is where government—imperfect as it is—has a duty to act swiftly and wisely. President Trump was often praised for his Operation Warp Speed initiative during COVID-19. It wasn’t flawless, but it showed what can be done when leaders cut through red tape and put America first. A similar focus is needed now, but with prudence and humility.

The Global Perspective

The Canadian teenager who tested positive for a mutated strain of H5N1 is a wake-up call. As much as we value independence as a nation, pandemics don’t stop at borders. America should take the lead in coordinating global efforts while protecting its own citizens first and foremost. That’s leadership.

Final Thoughts

As Christians, we’re called to be both wise and compassionate. Proverbs 27:12 reminds us: “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Ignoring this outbreak could bring unnecessary suffering. Taking balanced, thoughtful action is the right thing to do.

President Trump, or whoever holds the reins of leadership in moments like these, should heed the experts—not as a form of surrender to “big science,” but as a means to fulfill their God-given responsibility to protect the people they serve.

So let’s pray for wisdom, support our farmers, and take this threat seriously. Because folks, we don’t just want to cross the road; we want to make sure there’s a chicken left on the other side!