by W. Diane Van Zwol

Created on: November 12, 2009

Integrity of Government, Governance and Immunity

Addressing the question of how to use government more effectively for infection control, addresses 'government' on many different levels, not just on the level of government of countries.

Government also has to do with governance, as well as integrity, whether it concerns the government of a country or the government of a human cell and its immune system.

Perhaps the multiplicity of issues, related to the H1N1 pandemic, will succeed in raising our level of concern, in both respects.

What is governance?

"Governance relates to decisions that define expectations, grant power, or verify performance. It consists either of a separate process or of a specific part of management or leadership processes. Sometimes people set up a government to administer these processes and systems." (1)

Perhaps the entire world will begin to look at the H1N1 crisis, in terms of government and governance, in the light of their expectations, as well as the power and performance of the government in question. At best, it will be imperfect, simply because it is not divine governance, which alone would be perfect. Note that all human beings, do not necessarily perceive divine governance, in a positive light.

Thus, there will be worldwide criticisms of governments everywhere; not everyone acknowledges the good accomplished by governments or the number of lives saved through their action in terms of governance.

Note these comparisons.

* Cell governance affects the human immune system. At times, the immune system may have inappropriate governance or governance that lacks integrity. This can happen in countries also.

* The human cell can also function normally and maintain its full integrity. So can a government, in any part of the world.

* A compromised human cell may not be able to function at full capacity. This can be true of a government also. In other works, its innate self-defense system may shut down. This can be temporary or permanent and result in partial or total damage, that in turn, may lead to ultimate death.

Basic rules of integrity apply to a human cell, as well as the government of a country. This only stands to reason, as the government of a country is merely an extension of that same human cell; it just includes other human beings en masse, who essentially form their government.

Why would there be different rules of governance or integrity? The same rules that affect a human cell, affect the government of a country,

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