Another
opinion on “YES on 1” Reject Big Pharma
I
doubt that anyone is surprised to find that signs for or against any issue
contain meaningless phrases and faulty reasoning to bring about a desired
reaction.
For
instance, since we bring everybody from everywhere into the “herd”, often with
no vaccinations or screening, putting us at greater risk, it’s a reason to have
our kids and ourselves vaccinated. It’s not a reason for the very government and
choices that has put us at risk, to now force
us to have vaccinations. I personally believe that whatever we have to use, the
Lord put here, so it’s fine for us to use it; how we use it is where
discernment, and yes, judgement, should come into play. But that’s just my archaic religious belief.
I wouldn’t presume to force that belief on someone else.
The
other arguments don’t seem to hold much water. Kids whose immune systems are
greatly compromised by cancer treatments or whatever, are most likely being
homeschooled anyway, in part because they need the flexibility of homeschooling
over the more rigid schedule of public school; and, yes, in part because of
their lower immunity. We don’t vaccinate
against colds, every flu we know about and the ones we don’t; if the school staff and public are at risk, it’s
only because they, too, haven’t had the disease or have not been been
vaccinated either – still putting the immunocompromised child in danger. You’re
right, it is very sad for these children and their parents, and I wish it were
as simple as making a law against it but it’s not.
I
really don’t like using this four letter word but, here goes, “herd” immunity
is more effective and longer lasting when it is a natural immunity (brought
about by a large percentage of the population having had the disease) rather
than vaccine induced which is less effective and more temporary. This seems to
correlate with your example of Pertussis. Yes, if you haven’t had the disease
you should probably get vaccinated to protect yourself the best you can for the time being, but that’s it. You’re not saving the world.
The
fact that vaccinations probably don’t cause autism (I don’t really know) may be
a reason not to be afraid to have them, but is not a reason to have them. A lot
of things don’t cause autism, but we still don’t do them for other reasons.
“Voting
NO will keep us safe from vaccine-preventable diseases and their
complications:…”
I
was coerced into having a shingles vaccine a year or two ago, to the tune of eighty
some dollars out of my own pocket and a sore arm; but it was worth it not to
have to worry anymore about Shingles; BUT not so. Now it seems I really need
the new one (actually two) because it’s so much better. The old one was a live
virus and the new one is not which is better.
“Right,
but I already had the old one and was exposed to the dangers of a live virus
and I lived; so, I’m all set.”
“Well,
not exactly. This one gives better protection too.” Apparently having the vaccine didn’t mean I
was protected after all; I just thought I was. OK, so if I have this one will I
be really protected this time? Who knows?
“Voting
NO will keep us safe from … and their complications: death, paralysis,
blindness, deafness… .” Really? I
thought the only protection against death was not being born; and I have to
admit that I’m somewhat skeptical that we can avoid the others with just a
vote.
It
is true that the choices we make affect those around us which is why we should
think long and hard before we make the choice to force our wants and beliefs on
others.
Lynda
McMackin-McDonald
Windham
Dear Editor,
Next week, we have an important vote here in
Maine on whether to repeal mandated vaccine laws that will take effect this
year and have removed philosophical and religious exemptions for families.
There is a lot of info out there but one thing that stands out is that BOTH
SIDES are concerned about the health and safety of their children. Most people
involved in this debate are not arguing the importance of vaccinations. I have
heard from those supporting No on 1 that they are concerned with family members
or friends who are immune compromised and can pick up diseases very quickly
thus they support mandated vaccines.
I have heard from those supporting Yes on
1 who are concerned with vaccine safety and injury, too many vaccines given at
one time, and/or their child may already suffer with a physical disease,
disorder, or sensitivity and a vaccine could cause real harm. One thing we can
agree on is that both sides of this issue are concerned with the health and
safety of Maine children and their families.
So, whose children on what side
wins out on this issue? It's complicated. From what I have read and researched;
Maine has a fairly high vaccine rate in comparison to other states. We can all
agree that vaccines are important and, in most instances, prevent disease. We
will not do away with vaccines and they are here to stay. Maybe in the near
future, vaccines will even be improved upon. So, what is the fundamental issue
on Question 1?
The fundamental issue is whether Mainers are willing to abandon
their freedom of choice for their families and future generations. Abandoning
their freedom in this instance looks like giving the government the right to
say which vaccines your family will be required to receive within the timeframe
they deem appropriate and giving them the authority to edit that list of
mandated vaccines over time. This is a costly relinquishment for Maine
families. In this instance, those families who support Yes on 1 (repealing the
new mandated vaccine law) would lose their ability to say no to a vaccine that
their child may not be capable of handling. If they say no, their child will
face discrimination educationally and on other levels.
No one knows a child
better than a parent or family member. Parents make very tough decisions on
behalf of their children every day. We are the best advocates for our
children--not a government bureaucracy. Issues involving freedom should never
be taken lightly or relinquished easily. I am not anti-vaccine. But I am
pro-freedom of choice for parents and families. If this is truly about wanting
to get vaccine rates even higher in Maine, then let's accomplish this with more
research, safer vaccines, better education, transparency, collaboration from
both sides, but not at the sacrifice of personal freedom of choice and the
carrying out of discrimination. #YESON1
Jennifer White For Maine Senate District 25:
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