By Tim Baldwin
In Montana, approximately 35 percent of the parents have not vaccinated their children. Are they all ignorant or making informed decisions?
The recent “measles outbreak” at Disneyland is noteworthy, because of those infected some were vaccinated for measles. Yet, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) said, “90 percent of the people close to that [infected] person who are not immune will also become infected.” So, what percentage of those vaccinated will be infected? Curiously, CDC states nothing about this. Too, look at China. Vaccinations are mandatory there; yet, there is a measles outbreak. If 99.99 percent of the population is vaccinated, why and how the outbreak?
Still, some are using the Disney story to push for mandatory vaccinations in America. Politicians like Rand Paul, however, have not followed suit. Paul stated that parents must have a choice in this decision. Of course. What we put in our bodies concerns one of the most basic concepts of liberty in human history. Free people should not relinquish this right.
It is hard enough for parents in Montana to get unvaccinated children in public schools (even though our constitution guarantees every child an education) and even get pediatric services (even though the premise behind Obamacare is that everyone is entitled to healthcare). If vaccinations become mandatory, people who do not vaccinate will be disparaged by government to a much greater degree.
By Joe Carbonari
We are too nice to a fault. We let people we know and love get away with saying, and thinking, absolutely crazy things about important stuff, and then they proceed to vote on that basis. Should we be surprised that government, at several levels, seems to be struggling?
Rand Paul, nice guy that he is, was surprisingly deferential to those who still believe that vaccinations are, on balance, not worth the risk. The measles, and many other diseases, are highly contagious. Their effects run from significantly unpleasant to actually life-taking. I don’t want to get any of these diseases, or to give any to others. Vaccinate me, please. Yes, let’s require it of everyone.
Self-quarantine, self-control, doesn’t work well. Ask a herdsman, it’s a lot better when you protect them all. Personal freedom. Are you kidding me? Freedom to give me, or anyone, the measles? I don’t think so.
We ask, or should ask, others around the world to get their misguided and destructive thinkers and thoughts in line. The measles issue is less threatening, but indicative. We need to bring more rationality into our daily conversations and especially our national debate.
Keep it simple. Don’t give people “the measles” and don’t pander for “misguided” votes. Help folks understand. Explain your thinking – straightforwardly and simply.
We can, with sensitivity and forethought, identify some “road apples,” and we should.